Israel declared a “State of War” as rockets rained down from the Gaza Strip, resulting in at least one casualty in Israel. The Israeli military has issued sirens across the southern and central regions of the country, urging the public to seek shelter in bomb-proof facilities. “Iranian hand to pre-empt potential Saudi-Israeli normalisation cannot be ruled out,” says an expert.
The Palestinian group Hamas claimed responsibility for the rocket attacks, stating that their militants had launched more than 5,000 rockets. In a statement, Hamas declared, “We decided to put an end to all the crimes of the occupation (Israel), their time for rampaging without being held accountable is over,” and announced “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.”
Sharing his opinion with Financial Express Online, Md Muddassir Quamar, Associate Professor, Centre for West Asian Studies, School of International Studies, JNU says: “Looks like a major and coordinated operation by Hamas and other Gaza militants. From the Israeli point of view, it is a major intelligence failure. But it will quickly recollect itself and IDF response will be massive. Is bound to escalate into a serious crisis.”
India’s issues advisory
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an advisory amid Hamas attack, urging all Indian nationals living in Israel “to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols”.
Role of Hamas
Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif declared the commencement of the operation in a broadcast, urging Palestinians worldwide to join the fight. “This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth,” he emphasized.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly responded to the attacks, declaring, “We are at war, and we will win.” The Israel Defense Forces announced that they were striking Hamas targets in Gaza in response to the rocket barrages. Defense Minister Yoev Gallant echoed the sentiment that Israel would emerge victorious in this conflict. Amid the escalating tensions, Israel’s emergency services and rescue agency, Magen David Alom, initiated a blood donation campaign, preparing for potential casualties.
The rocket attacks represent an alarming escalation, with videos circulating on social media depicting what appears to be uniformed gunmen within the Israeli border town of Sderot. Gunfire can be heard in these videos, although their authenticity remains unverified.
The situation has unfolded against the backdrop of intense clashes in the West Bank, where Israeli military operations have resulted in the deaths of nearly 200 Palestinians this year. While Israel contends that these raids target militants, there have been casualties among stone-throwing protesters and innocent bystanders. Conversely, Palestinian attacks on Israeli targets have claimed the lives of over 30 people. These tensions have also extended to Gaza, where Hamas-affiliated activists recently staged violent demonstrations along the Israeli border. These demonstrations came to a halt in late September following international mediation efforts.
International Reactions:
In response to the escalating conflict, several world leaders and nations have issued statements:
Turkey’s President Erdogan urged both Israel and the Palestinians to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation. He emphasized the importance of rational actions to prevent increased tensions.
Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares expressed shock over the indiscriminate violence of rocket fire and attacks launched by Gaza militants against Israel, condemning these terrorist attacks.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the Hamas attacks on Israeli citizens and voiced support for Israel’s right to self-defense. He assured that the UK was in contact with Israeli authorities and urged British nationals in Israel to follow travel advice.
The Israeli Air Force initiated airstrikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, announcing their actions on social media.
The French Embassy in Israel condemned the attacks by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas on Israel, categorizing them as “inadmissible terrorist attacks.”
Israel’s Defense Minister acknowledged that Hamas had made a grave mistake, suggesting that Israeli forces were operating inside Gaza.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas, as symbolized by the recent “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” has once again brought the Middle East into the global spotlight. This ongoing cycle of violence, marked by rocket attacks, airstrikes, and casualties, underscores the complex and deeply rooted issues that continue to plague the region. To truly understand the current situation, it’s crucial to delve into the historical, political, and socio-economic factors that have contributed to this enduring conflict.
Background
The establishment of Israel resulted in displacement and dispossession for many Palestinians, laying the groundwork for decades of conflict. The Six-Day War in 1967 further exacerbated tensions as Israel occupied territories, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, which are still contested today.
Political Dynamics:
The political landscape in the region is characterized by a complex web of actors and interests. On one side, Israel, a democratic nation, has struggled to find a lasting solution to the conflict while ensuring its security. On the other side, Palestinian groups like Hamas and Fatah have pursued various strategies to achieve statehood, often resorting to armed resistance.
Hamas, which currently governs the Gaza Strip, has been labelled a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union. Its tactics, including rocket attacks, have drawn international condemnation. Fatah, on the other hand, has historically been involved in negotiations with Israel but has faced internal divisions.
Socio-Economic Factors:
According to the information available in the public domain the socio-economic conditions in the Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza, have worsened over the years due to a combination of factors. The blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt has severely limited the movement of people and goods, resulting in high unemployment, food insecurity, and inadequate access to healthcare and education. This dire situation has fuelled frustration and resentment among Palestinians.
The situation in Israel is also complex, with issues of inequality and discrimination against Arab citizens and an ongoing debate about the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, which the international community views as illegal.
International Engagement:
The Israel-Palestine conflict is not limited to the region; it has drawn significant international attention and involvement. The United Nations, through various resolutions, has called for a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace. However, achieving this solution has proven elusive due to deep-seated distrust, differing interpretations of borders, and the status of Jerusalem.
Efforts by the international community, including the United States, to broker peace agreements have had limited success. The Oslo Accords of the 1990s provided a framework for negotiations, but they ultimately stalled, leading to further violence and a lack of progress in the peace process.
Humanitarian Consequences:
Amid the conflict’s political and historical complexities, it’s essential to remember the deep humanitarian consequences. Innocent civilians, including children, often bear the brunt of the violence. Hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed, exacerbating the suffering of those living in conflict zones.
International humanitarian organizations, such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), play a vital role in providing assistance and support to vulnerable populations. However, their efforts are often hindered by funding shortages and access restrictions imposed by various parties to the conflict.
The Israel-Palestine conflict, marked by recent events like “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” is a deeply entrenched and multifaceted issue with historical, political, socio-economic, and humanitarian dimensions. Finding a lasting solution requires a commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and compromise from all parties involved.
The international community has a role to play in supporting peace efforts, providing humanitarian assistance, and advocating for a just and equitable resolution. While the road to peace is fraught with challenges, it is essential to remember that a peaceful and stable Middle East benefits not only Israelis and Palestinians but also the entire world.