GUWAHATI: A deadly escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict occurred on Saturday as Hamas fighters launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in the loss of hundreds of Israeli lives.
In response, Israel has initiated a series of intense airstrikes, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to obliterate Hamas strongholds in Gaza, reducing them to rubble.
"We are at war, and we will win," Prime Minister Netanyahu declared. He underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, "Not an 'operation,' not a 'round,' but at war."
The escalation began at 6:30 AM on Saturday when Hamas unleashed a substantial barrage of rockets into southern Israel.
Air raid sirens blared across Israel, shattering the morning calm, and the Iron Dome system, renowned as one of the world's most effective air defence systems, sprang into action. In response to the attack, Israel's military fired approximately 2,500 rockets. Media reports documented billowing smoke over residential areas in Israel as residents sought refuge behind buildings amid the blaring sirens.
Mohammed Deif, the head of the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, announced the commencement of "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood." He revealed that the first strike, targeting enemy positions, airports, and military fortifications, had already exceeded 5,000 missiles and shells.
This escalation has resulted in over 300 Israeli casualties and 232 Palestinian fatalities, marking one of the deadliest episodes in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in decades. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant issued a stern statement, saying, "Today, we have seen the face of evil. Hamas launched a criminal attack, without distinguishing between women, children, and the elderly. It will realize very quickly that it made a grave mistake. We will change the face of reality in the Gaza Strip."
At the heart of Israel's defence against rocket attacks stands the Iron Dome missile defence system which is a land-based air defence system designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets, mortars, and artillery shells fired from distances ranging from 4 to 70 kilometres.
This system has been a steadfast guardian of Israel since its deployment in 2011.
Its development was prompted by the thousands of rockets fired by Hezbollah during the 2006 Lebanon conflict, which led to attacks on several northern areas, including Haifa, resulting in numerous casualties.
Established in 1987 during the First Intifada, Hamas' objective is to establish an Islamic state in Palestine.
The group currently governs the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern Mediterranean coast.
After winning the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, it seized control of Gaza in 2007 following a violent conflict with its rival, Fatah.
Since then, Hamas has been the de facto authority in Gaza, while Fatah governs the West Bank.
Hamas is considered a terrorist organisation by Israel, the United States, the European Union, and others.
The roots of this conflict trace back to Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005.
Subsequently, Hamas emerged as a prominent political force and took control of Gaza in 2007.
The group's refusal to renounce violence and recognise Israel led to the suspension of aid to Palestinians by Israel and the United States.
Over the years, the conflict has persisted, punctuated by sporadic violence and confrontations, including a rocket attack in January 2023 by Islamic Jihad in Gaza following a raid by Israeli troops in a refugee camp, which claimed lives on both sides.