![Palestinians celebrate on the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border where an Israeli tank burns after it was attacked by Palestinian fighters [Yasser Qudih/Reuters]](https://titapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Gaza.webp)
Israel has launched a retaliatory attack on the Palestinian enclave of Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 198 people and leaving 1,610 wounded, according to the health ministry. This comes after Hamas forces carried out a deadly multi-pronged attack on Israel, which claimed the lives of 100 Israeli citizens and left hundreds injured.
The attack by Hamas, the group governing the Gaza Strip, was the largest in years and involved the infiltration of areas in southern Israel, as well as the firing of thousands of rockets from Gaza. In response, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, “Citizens of Israel, we are at war. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price.”
Israel’s military launched a series of air raids on Gaza, targeting the Hamas terrorist organization. The military operation, dubbed “Operation Iron Swords,” involved fighter jets striking multiple locations in Gaza. Ground fighting between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian fighters also ensued in various areas around the besieged Palestinian enclave.
The situation has escalated rapidly, with gun battles reported in numerous areas inside Israel. Palestinian fighters were seen opening fire on passers-by in the town of Sderot, and videos circulating on social media showed clashes between uniformed Palestinians and Israeli forces. Additionally, footage showed a burning Israeli tank surrounded by jubilant Palestinians.
The outbreak of major fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters follows weeks of escalating tensions along the Israel-Gaza border and months of deadly clashes in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The United Nations has condemned the attacks, calling them “heinous attacks targeting civilians” and urging all sides to protect civilians and exercise maximum restraint.
Hamas has called on resistance fighters in the West Bank, as well as Arab and Islamic nations, to join the fight. The leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, has declared that they are on the verge of a great victory and a clear conquest on the Gaza front. He emphasized the need to complete the cycle of uprisings and revolutions to liberate Palestinian land and prisoners.
The situation remains tense, with both sides engaged in fierce fighting. The international community is closely monitoring the developments and calling for de-escalation to prevent further loss of life.