By In a distressing turn of events, a barrage of rockets was launched from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel on Saturday, leaving the region on high alert. A journalist stationed in the Palestinian territory reported the alarming incident as sirens blared, signalling the incoming fire.
Multiple locations within Gaza became the launch sites for the rocket fire, commencing at 6:30 a.m. local time. The Israeli army swiftly responded, issuing warnings through sirens across the south and central areas, urging citizens to seek refuge in bomb shelters.
Adding to the tension, the Israeli military disclosed that a “number of terrorists” had infiltrated Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip, heightening concerns over security. Tragically, the rocket assault left a 70-year-old woman in critical condition and trapped another individual after a building in central Israel was hit.
In a separate incident, a 20-year-old man sustained moderate injuries from shrapnel, further underscoring the dire consequences of the attacks.
Responding swiftly to the crisis, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced an imminent meeting with security chiefs to address the escalating violence.
Meanwhile, Hamas’ armed wing, in a concerning development, claimed responsibility for launching over 5,000 rockets from Gaza into Israel. Termed “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” this assault marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
“We decided to put an end to all the crimes of the occupation (Israel), their time for rampaging without being held accountable is over,” declared the group.
Tensions between Palestine and Israel have been exacerbated by the longstanding blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007. This blockade, coupled with past devastating conflicts, has contributed to the volatile situation in the region.
The recent rocket fire follows a period of heightened tensions, including a border closure in September and escalated border protests. The closure, criticized as collective punishment, only added to the unrest.
The year has witnessed a distressing toll of lives in the conflict, with casualties on both sides. At least 247 Palestinians, 32 Israelis, and two foreigners have lost their lives so far this year. The majority of these fatalities have occurred in the occupied West Bank, a hotbed of violence and political discord.
The West Bank, a flashpoint of the conflict, has seen a surge in army raids, Palestinian attacks targeting Israelis, and settler violence against Palestinians and their properties. The presence of far-right Israeli ministers in illegal settlements further complicates the situation, challenging international legal norms.
As the region grapples with escalating violence, diplomatic efforts and international intervention remain crucial to pave the way for peace and stability in the embattled Middle East.
