Israel Escalates Aerial Attacks and Promises Total Blockade on Gaza During Search for Hamas Militants

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Israel’s armed forces escalated their search in the southern region of the country for members of Hamas, fortified gaps in their border security, and escalated airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Monday. Israel pledged to impose a comprehensive blockade on the economically distressed Gaza territory, governed by Hamas, following an extraordinary incursion over the weekend.

Over 48 hours after Hamas initiated an unexpected assault from Gaza, Israeli officials stated that the combat had substantially diminished for the time being. Israel’s advanced military and intelligence services were caught unprepared, leading to intense street battles within Israel for the first time in many years.

On Sunday, Israel officially declared war, indicating a potential for increased combat and a possible ground invasion into Gaza — actions that have historically led to a rise in casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has committed to dismantling “the military and administrative capabilities” of the extremist organization deeply ingrained in Gaza.

As Israeli forces targeted over 1,000 locations in Gaza and deployed tanks and drones to secure gaps in the border fencing to thwart additional incursions, Palestinian militants persisted in launching rocket salvos, triggering air raid alarms in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Online footage displayed a column of smoke near Ben Gurion International Airport, although no immediate details on casualties or destruction were available.

The human cost has already been substantial. Approximately 700 individuals have died in Israel, a shocking number by the standards of its recent conflicts. Nearly 500 fatalities have been reported in Gaza, an enclave of 2.3 million Palestinians bordered by Israel and Egypt.

Palestinian militant factions claim to have captured over 130 individuals in Israel and taken them to Gaza. Hamas’ armed division announced via its Telegram channel that four captives were killed in Israeli airstrikes, although this could not be independently corroborated.

Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant instructed a “total blockade” on Gaza, with plans to sever electricity supply and halt the entry of food and fuel. Since Hamas assumed power in 2007 by ousting rival Palestinian factions, both Israel and Egypt have intermittently enforced blockades on the region.

Using polarizing language that has been historically employed by both sides during escalated tensions, Gallant referred to Israel’s adversaries as “human animals.”

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesperson, informed journalists that Israel has “control” over its border communities following about 48 hours of intense domestic battles. He noted that isolated incidents occurred on Monday, but that the communities were largely conflict-free at present. He cautioned, however, that militants might still be present within Israel’s borders.

In an earlier conversation with The Big Big News, Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua stated that the organization’s militants continued to engage in combat outside Gaza and had captured additional Israelis as recently as Monday morning.

Israel’s military reported it had substantially destroyed much of Beit Hanoun, a town in northeast Gaza serving as a base for Hamas attacks. No immediate information was available on casualties, and it’s likely that a significant portion of the town’s residents had evacuated prior to the strikes.

Hagari announced that approximately 300,000 reservists had been mobilized, a considerable call to action.

He reiterated that the objective is to entirely incapacitate Hamas’ military and governing faculties. Hamas has remained unchallenged in its governance of Gaza since 2007, despite a 16-year blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt and four previous wars with Israel.

The Israeli military estimates that about 1,000 Hamas fighters participated in the initial assault on Saturday, highlighting the organization’s extensive planning. Hamas contends that the attack was launched in response to the ongoing Palestinian suffering under Israeli occupation, blockades, discriminatory policies, and rising tensions around a disputed Jerusalem religious site that is sacred to both Muslims and Jews.

Failed peace negotiations have left the Palestinians seeking their own state in territories seized by Israel in the 1967 war. Israel’s right-wing government opposes the concept of Palestinian statehood.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Israel-Hamas Conflict

More about Israel-Hamas Conflict

• Israel’s Official Declaration of War
• Profile of Hamas
• Timeline of Israel-Hamas Conflicts
• Civilian Casualties in Gaza and Israel
• United States’ Role in the Conflict
• International Reactions to the Israel-Hamas Conflict
• Historical Background of Israel-Palestine Peace Talks
• Israeli Military Strategies
• Status of Palestinian Captives
• Humanitarian Concerns in Gaza