AP Top NewsGaza StripGeneral NewsHamasIsraelIsrael governmentMilitary and defenseWorld News Israel Escalates Military Operations and Announces Total Siege on Gaza Following Surprise Hamas Attack by Andrew Wright October 9, 2023 written by Andrew Wright October 9, 2023 5 comments Bookmark 42 Israel’s military is conducting extensive operations in the country’s southern regions to locate Hamas fighters, fortify breaches in its border fence, and carry out airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. These actions come in response to an unprecedented weekend incursion by Hamas, which has prompted Israel to declare a state of war and initiate a potential ground assault on the Hamas-controlled territory. Hamas’s surprise attack from Gaza caught Israel’s highly regarded military and intelligence apparatus off guard, resulting in intense battles within Israeli streets for the first time in decades. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has vowed to dismantle both the military and governing capabilities of the entrenched militant group, deeply rooted in Gaza. Israel’s military has launched over 1,000 airstrikes in Gaza and deployed tanks and drones to secure openings in the border fence, preventing further infiltrations. Simultaneously, Palestinian militants continue to launch rocket barrages, triggering air raid sirens in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. There were reports of a plume of smoke near Ben Gurion International Airport, although casualties and damage from this latest bombardment are yet to be confirmed. Civilian casualties have already been substantial, with around 700 people killed in Israel and nearly 500 in Gaza. Additionally, Palestinian militant groups claim to have taken over 130 captives from the Israeli side. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has ordered a “complete siege” on Gaza, which includes cutting off electricity and blocking the entry of food and fuel. Israel and Egypt have imposed varying levels of blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized power in 2007. The situation has escalated to the point where dehumanizing language has been used, with Gallant referring to the conflict as a war with “human animals.” After intense battles within Israel, the military announced control over its border communities, with some isolated incidents reported early Monday. Evacuation efforts for these border communities are ongoing, with 15 out of 24 already emptied. Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua confirmed that the group’s fighters are still engaged in battles outside Gaza and have captured more Israelis, even as of Monday morning. Hamas’s objective includes securing the release of all Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a goal that has led to past lopsided exchange deals. In its airstrikes, Israel has targeted locations in Gaza, including the town of Beit Hanoun, which Hamas was allegedly using as a staging ground for attacks. The extent of casualties is yet to be determined. Israel has called up around 300,000 reservists in a massive mobilization effort. The primary goal remains the destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, despite the group’s continued rule over Gaza since 2007, even through previous conflicts and blockades. Hamas’s initial incursion involved breaking through Israeli barriers with explosives, leading to the capture of soldiers and civilians, including women, children, and older adults. The number of captives is described as “significant.” As the conflict rages on, residents in Gaza fear further escalation. Israeli airstrikes have already caused significant damage to housing units and claimed civilian lives. The situation has regional implications, with the U.S. dispatching an aircraft carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean in support of Israel. Meanwhile, concerns of a broader regional war arose briefly after an exchange of strikes with Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group, although the Israeli military reported a return to calm in that area. Elsewhere, clashes between Israeli soldiers and Palestinians in the West Bank resulted in the deaths of six Palestinians on Sunday. This ongoing conflict underscores the deep-seated tensions and unresolved issues in the region, with the prospect of peace negotiations appearing distant as Israel’s far-right government remains opposed to Palestinian statehood. Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Israel-Gaza ConflictWhat triggered the Israel-Gaza conflict?What is Israel’s objective in this conflict?How have civilians been affected by the conflict?What measures has Israel taken to contain the situation?What is the international response to the conflict?Are there any efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully?More about Israel-Gaza Conflict Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Israel-Gaza Conflict What triggered the Israel-Gaza conflict? The conflict was triggered by a surprise incursion by Hamas from Gaza, catching Israel’s military off guard. What is Israel’s objective in this conflict? Israel aims to dismantle both the military and governing capabilities of Hamas, which has deep roots in Gaza. How have civilians been affected by the conflict? Civilian casualties have been substantial, with hundreds killed on both sides, and reports of captured individuals, including women and children. What measures has Israel taken to contain the situation? Israel has imposed a complete siege on Gaza, including cutting off electricity and blocking the entry of food and fuel. What is the international response to the conflict? The U.S. has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean to support Israel, while concerns of a broader regional war briefly arose. Are there any efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully? Peace negotiations appear distant, with Israel’s far-right government opposing Palestinian statehood, and the situation remains highly tense. More about Israel-Gaza Conflict Israel declares war Hamas attack and Israel’s response Israeli-Gaza conflict background U.S. deploys aircraft carrier Hamas and Gaza’s history You Might Be Interested In Republican Presidential Hopefuls Wrestle with Reactions to Trump’s Unprecedented Legal Quagmire Relief Efforts Underway in Nepalese Communities Ravaged by Earthquake America’s Zoos May Lose Their Pandas by Next Year’s End Virginia teacher shot by 6-year-old can proceed with $40 million lawsuit, judge rules Thousands Commemorate 1995 Srebrenica Genocide in Bosnia amid Lingering Ethnic Tensions Head of Mercenary Group Urges Armed Rebellion in Russia airstrikesAP Top NewsCivilian casualtiesConflictGazaGaza StripGeneral NewsHamasinternational responseIsraelIsrael governmentMilitary and defensesiegewar Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Andrew Wright Follow Author Andrew Wright is a business reporter who covers the latest news and trends in the world of finance and economics. He enjoys analyzing market trends and economic data, and he is always on the lookout for new opportunities for investors. previous post Announcement for Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences to Take Place in Stockholm next post Nobel economics prize goes to professor for advancing understanding of women’s labor market outcomes You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 5 comments InsightfulObserver October 9, 2023 - 12:39 pm Consequences of long-standing tensions, hope diplomacy prevails over violence. Reply JournalistExpert October 9, 2023 - 7:15 pm it’s a vry complex situation, hope leaders find solution. Reply Reader45 October 10, 2023 - 1:24 am dis conflict iz just so sad, ppl sufferin on both sides, hopin 4 peace soon! Reply PeaceSeeker2023 October 10, 2023 - 9:25 am The loss of innocent lives is heartbreaking, let’s pray for a swift end to this turmoil. Reply NewsJunkie77 October 10, 2023 - 10:14 am Isreal-Gaza conflict keeps escalatin’, world needs 2 pay attention & find resolutions. Reply Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ