Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to eradicate Hamas in retaliation for deadly attacks by the Palestinian militant group that claimed hundreds of Israeli lives.
Netanyahu likened Hamas to ISIS and pledged to use "unprecedented force." The conflict has led to widespread destruction in Gaza and Israeli towns, with thousands of casualties and a complete siege imposed on Gaza.
Hamas responded by threatening to execute Israeli civilian captives in retaliation for civilian casualties caused by Israeli airstrikes. The situation remains highly volatile, with ongoing rocket attacks and air raid sirens in Israel.Read full article
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced his determination to eliminate Hamas in retaliation for the deadly attacks carried out by the Palestinian militant group over the weekend, resulting in the loss of hundreds of Israeli lives.
Netanyahu, who has served multiple terms as Israel's leader, drew parallels between Hamas and the Islamic State (ISIS) and emphasized Israel's intention to employ an unprecedented level of force that would have long-lasting repercussions. In a nationally televised address, Netanyahu, aged 73, stated, "We have only just begun our operations against Hamas. What we are planning in the days ahead will have far-reaching consequences for our adversaries. Hamas, in its actions, is comparable to ISIS," he concluded, condemning their brutal tactics, including the targeting of children. Israeli defense officials claimed that they had eliminated thousands of Hamas targets through intense aerial bombings. However, distressing footage shared on social media highlighted the destruction of Palestinian residential areas, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. Military spokesperson Richard Hecht reported that approximately 1,500 Hamas militants' bodies were discovered near the Gaza border following the strikes. He indicated that security forces had largely regained control over the Gaza border region. Israel imposed a comprehensive siege on Gaza, blocking access to electricity, fuel, and food for the 2.3 million Palestinians, many of whom were already living in dire conditions. The four-day-long conflict has already resulted in a death toll of at least 1,600 individuals. Israel witnessed gun battles in its own towns, a rare occurrence in decades, while neighborhoods in Gaza were left in ruins. In response to the devastating aerial bombardment of Gaza, Hamas issued a warning of its own. It threatened to execute Israeli civilian captives in retaliation for civilian casualties caused by Israeli airstrikes. Hamas had abducted approximately 150 individuals, including women and children, from Israeli territory and brought them back to Gaza amid their ruthless acts of violence. Hamas spokesperson Abu Obaida, speaking for the Al-Qassam Brigades, declared, "We have decided to put an end to this, and as of now, we declare that any targeting of our people in their homes without prior warning will unfortunately result in the execution of one of the hostages among the civilians we are holding." This statement was released in a recording provided to Al Jazeera. On Tuesday morning, air raid sirens sounded across cities in Israel, suggesting that Hamas was launching another barrage of rockets.