In a dramatic turn of events, Israel unleashed a barrage of air strikes on Gaza overnight, according to Hamas officials on Monday. The Israeli military, adamant about maintaining focus amidst heightened tensions, declared its resolve to persevere in the face of Iran's recent unprecedented attack.
The world has called for restraint following Iran's striking move late Saturday, wherein over 300 drones and missiles were launched at Israel. Despite Israeli claims of intercepting the majority of the projectiles, fears of a broader conflict loom large.
This marked Tehran's first direct assault on Israel, reportedly in retaliation for a deadly strike in Damascus earlier in the month. The incident underscores months of escalating violence across the region involving Iranian proxies purportedly acting in solidarity with Palestinians in the beleaguered Gaza Strip.
Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari affirmed the nation's unwavering commitment to its mission in Gaza, despite the onslaught from Iran. "Even while under attack from Iran, we have not lost sight, not for one moment, of our critical mission in Gaza to rescue our hostages from the hands of Iran's proxy Hamas," he stated late Sunday.
As international mediators strive for a ceasefire deal to quell the escalating conflict triggered by Hamas's attack on October 7th, concerns mount over Israeli plans to deploy troops to Rafah. The southern city, where the majority of Gaza's 2.4 million inhabitants have sought refuge, now faces the specter of further escalation.
With tensions escalating and both sides entrenched in their positions, the region teeters on the brink of further violence. The international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift resolution to prevent further bloodshed and instability in the region.
