JERUSALEM (yourNEWS) – Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Gaza on Sunday, responding to a deadly attack by Hamas fighters that left hundreds dead and threatened to escalate the conflict in the Middle East.
In a worrying development, Israel’s response extended beyond Gaza, with artillery responding to mortar fire from Lebanon and drone strikes targeting a post of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia along Israel’s northern border.
The Israeli airstrikes on Gaza targeted housing blocks, tunnels, a mosque, and homes of Hamas officials, resulting in over 300 casualties, including 20 children. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed “mighty vengeance for this wicked day.”
Hamas militants continued to engage Israeli security forces in southern Israel, 24 hours after a surprise multi-pronged assault breached security barriers and army bases, sending hundreds of fighters into nearby towns.
While Israel’s military claimed to have regained control of most infiltration points and eliminated hundreds of Palestinian attackers, the situation remained volatile in some areas. Tens of thousands of soldiers were deployed around Gaza, home to 2.3 million Palestinians, and plans were in place to evacuate Israelis living near the territory’s frontier.
Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua stated that the attack was “in defense of our people,” with the group’s fighters launching rocket strikes and conducting operations behind enemy lines.
The attack marked the most significant and deadliest incursion into Israel since the Yom Kippur War 50 years ago when Egypt and Syria launched a sudden assault to reclaim lost territory.
The escalating conflict could jeopardize U.S.-backed efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, potentially impacting Palestinian aspirations for self-determination and the Iranian-backed Hamas.
Lebanon’s Hezbollah, another key ally of Iran, fought a war with Israel in 2006, and tensions have frequently flared since. Israel’s army spokesperson urged Hezbollah not to get involved.
The aftermath of Saturday’s attack left southern Israeli towns and border communities in disarray, with at least 250 Israelis killed, including senior military officers. Terrified residents barricaded themselves in safe rooms while gunmen abducted hostages, including soldiers and civilians. Hamas planned to issue a statement regarding the number of captives seized.
The capture of Israeli hostages further complicates the situation for Netanyahu, who has previously faced hostage exchanges for prisoners.
Hamas continued launching rocket attacks into Israel on Sunday, prompting air raid sirens across southern areas. Israel initiated an evacuation of border regions while searching for additional gunmen.
Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved measures to target Hamas and Islamic Jihad’s military and governmental capabilities for an extended period, including cutting off electricity, fuel supplies, and goods entering Gaza.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza began immediately after the Hamas attack and continued overnight, resulting in damage to Hamas offices, training camps, as well as civilian homes and buildings. Palestinian health officials reported 313 deaths and nearly 2,000 injuries from retaliatory strikes.
Residents in Gaza recounted the devastation, with one family losing seven members, including five children, in a bombed house. In Khan Younis, a mosque was also targeted, further heightening tensions.
The escalating conflict is occurring amid increasing violence between Israel and Palestinian militants in the West Bank, where limited self-rule is exercised by the Palestinian Authority, opposed by Hamas.
The West Bank has witnessed intensified Israeli raids, Palestinian attacks, and assaults by Jewish settlers on Palestinian villages. Conditions for Palestinians have deteriorated during Netanyahu’s tenure.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh indicated that the conflict that began in Gaza could spread to the West Bank and Jerusalem, adding to the suffering of Gazans who have endured a 16-year Israeli blockade since Hamas seized control in 2007.
Across the Middle East, demonstrations in support of Hamas have taken place, while Iran and Hezbollah praised the attack. Lebanon’s Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a rocket and artillery attack on three posts in the Shebaa Farms, occupied by Israel since 1967.
Israel responded with artillery fire on southern Lebanon, resulting in no reported casualties.
Western nations, led by the United States, condemned the attack, with President Joe Biden issuing a warning to Iran and other countries against exploiting the situation.
Osama Hamdan, the leader of Hamas in Lebanon, emphasized that the operation should serve as a wake-up call to Arab states regarding Israeli security demands.
The Israeli intelligence failure, given the surprise nature of the attack, has been regarded as one of the nation’s worst, considering its reputation for intensive infiltration and monitoring of militants.
The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange saw its main indexes open nearly 5% lower in response to the developments.