Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas are locked in a deadly battle which entered into its second day leading to hundreds of casualties on both sides.
The conflict, described as the bloodiest escalation in decades, erupted after a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on Saturday.
According to foreign media, Hamas unleashed a massive rocket barrage and launched ground, air, and sea offensives, resulting in over 200 Israelis killed and 1,000 wounded. Simultaneously, Gaza officials reported intense Israeli airstrikes, raising the Palestinian death toll to at least 256, with nearly 1,788 wounded.
Amidst the ongoing violence, Lebanon’s Hezbollah joined the fray, firing artillery shells and guided missiles at Israeli positions in a show of solidarity with Hamas. Israel responded with artillery fire in southern Lebanon.
Addressing the nation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of a “long and difficult” war, emphasizing that the offensive against Hamas would continue relentlessly until objectives were achieved.
He vowed to restore security to Israeli citizens, pledging to reduce all Hamas strongholds to rubble.
In the early hours of Sunday, President Arif Alvi condemned Israel’s actions, emphasizing the need for international intervention in line with UN resolutions to achieve peace.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani expressed deep concern over the escalating hostility, urging an immediate end to the violence and the establishment of a viable, sovereign state of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders and UN resolutions.
Amidst the crisis, U.S. President Joe Biden affirmed unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself. In a phone call with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Biden offered US assistance, cautioning against any party hostile to Israel exploiting the situation.
The United States has been striving for a deal to normalize ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a development closely monitored by Palestinians fearing the potential impact on their quest for an independent state.
As the conflict rages on, the international community watches with growing concern, hoping for a swift resolution and lasting peace in the region. The United Nations Security Council has called for an emergency meeting to address the escalating crisis.
