ISRAEL: Tensions in the region have escalated once again as dozens of rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory on Saturday, prompting Israeli authorities to declare a “state of war.” The rocket barrage, which began at 6:00 a.m. (0330 GMT), originated from various locations within Gaza.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) swiftly responded by issuing nationwide siren warnings, urging citizens to seek shelter in bomb shelters.
The IDF also confirmed that several terrorists had infiltrated Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip, though specific details were not immediately disclosed.
Amid the rocket attacks, a building in central Israel was struck by a rocket, leaving one person trapped and a 70-year-old woman in critical condition, according to reports from the Magen David Adom rescue services. In a separate incident, a 20-year-old man sustained moderate injuries from shrapnel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has scheduled a meeting with security officials to address the escalating violence. At this stage, no group has claimed responsibility for the rocket launches.
The backdrop of this renewed conflict dates back to 2007 when the Islamist Hamas movement took control of Gaza. In response, Israel imposed a strict siege, leading to multiple conflicts between Israeli forces and Palestinian insurgents.
Tensions flared again in September when Israel forcibly closed the Gaza-Israel border for two weeks, resulting in increased hostilities.
The border area has been marked by militarization, with Israeli soldiers employing live fire, tear gas, and retaliation against Palestinian demonstrators who have engaged in protests, including rock-throwing, tire-burning, and petrol bomb attacks.
Critics argue that the border closure serves as collective punishment against Palestinian workers, who often find higher-paying employment opportunities in Israel.
The recent return of 2.3 million Palestinians to Gaza on September 28 has fostered hopes for a more peaceful atmosphere. Nevertheless, in May, Israeli airstrikes and Gaza rocket fire led to the deaths of 34 Palestinians and one Israeli.
The ongoing conflict has taken a devastating toll this year, with 247 Palestinian fatalities, 32 Israeli casualties, and two foreign fatalities, including both combatants and civilians.
The majority of these casualties have occurred in the West Bank, where Israeli settlers have increasingly engaged in violence against Palestinians and their property. It’s worth noting that international law deems the West Bank settlements, which house far-right Israeli ministers, as illegal.
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