The Israel-Hamas conflict is a long-standing and deeply rooted conflict between Israel and Hamas, a Palestinian militant group and political organization. This conflict has been ongoing for decades and is characterized by periodic outbreaks of violence and tensions.
Now once again, Israel-Hamas is at war. On Saturday, Hamas unexpectedly attacked Israel using aerial, maritime, and ground operations out of the Gaza Strip. Israel retaliated by heavily bombarding the coastal enclave that was under blockade.
Why did Hamas attack Israel?
Khaled Qadomi who is the spokesperson of Hamas told media that the group attacked Israel in response to all the atrocities the Palestinians have faced over the decades. He added the reason behind starting this war is because the Palestinian people want the international community to stop atrocities in Gaza, against them and their holy sites like Al-Aqsa.
The Hamas group released a statement on Telegram, where they called upon the resistance fighters in the West Bank” as well as Arab and Islamic nations to join the battle against Israel.
Israel’s Reaction to Hamas Attack
Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu said his country is in a war it “will win”. Meanwhile, the defense Minister of Israel also supported the Nethnyahu’s statement and said Hamas made a great mistake.
However, on the ground level, the Israeli military is fighting with Hamas in 7 different locations. The Ministry of Health has called for Blood donations at hospitals in the besieged territory of Gaza. The Military of Israel has warned people living near Gaza to stay in their homes or head to shelters.
Casualties on Ground
As per the latest report by Reuters, 22 Israelis have been killed and more than 500 Israelis have been injured. On the other side, four Palestinians have been killed and five are injured in the border area of the Gaza Strip.
Israeli media is reporting that the gunmen of Hamas had opened fire on passers-by in the town of Sderot. Several videos of the incident are going viral on social media. In the videos, hundreds of gunmen in jeeps are roaming the countryside and killing people.
Few reports claimed that Hamas fighters had seized control of some Israeli civilian neighborhoods where people were pleading with their government for assistance. The communities of Kfar Aza, Sderot, Sufa, Nahal Oz, Magen, Be’eri, and the Re’im military camp are currently the scene of gun engagements.
