Context:
Air strikes were carried out by Israel across the entirety of the Gaza Strip. At least 400 Palestinians dead, majority of them women and children, according to local health officials. These are considered the deadliest attacks on the Gaza since the outbreak of the 17 month war.
Reason for Attack
- Trigger
- As Hamas reportedly refused Israel’s demands to alter the ceasefire agreement of January, Israel responded.
- Action Taken by Israel
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the air strikes.
- He declared that the operation was now open ended, with a plan to expand it.
Military Developments
- Evacuation Orders
- Residents of eastern Gaza (Beit Hanoun and other areas to the south) were being evacuated.
- It signals preparation for renewed Israeli ground operations.
International Reaction
- United States
- Confirmed by the White House that there had been discussions with Israel.
- It also expressed support for the actions of Israel.
Possible Consequences
- Total War Restart
- This Ramzan attack shows potential huge escalation.
- War has already witnessed tens of thousands of deaths of Palestinians with wide scale destruction.
- Hostage Crisis
- About two dozen Israeli hostages are thought to remain alive.
- Hamas warning: The return of war by Netanyahu will be a “ death sentence” for the surviving hostages.
Source: TH
