In a harrowing escalation of violence, Israel has declared a “state of war” following a surprise attack by the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, the Palestinian group governing the Gaza Strip. Fierce clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters have left at least 370 Palestinians and 600 Israelis dead, with thousands more wounded.
The conflict intensified as the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah launched mortar attacks into the occupied Shebaa Farms in solidarity with Hamas, prompting Israel to respond with artillery fire. Amid these developments, there are growing concerns that Israel might launch a ground invasion of Gaza, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to isolate the besieged enclave.
Hamas, justifying its large-scale operation, cited ongoing Israeli brutality against Palestinians, including violent attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian communities, aggression at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and a disturbingly high number of Palestinian casualties this year. The situation has further deteriorated as Palestinians flee Israeli air strikes, seeking refuge in UN-run schools.
The international community watches with increasing alarm as the conflict shows no signs of abating. Stay tuned for further updates on this deeply concerning situation.
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