Israel has ramped up its military response to the deadly attack carried out by Hamas on Saturday, launching unprecedented airstrikes and calling up 300,000 reservists as a sign that a ground assault may be imminent.
The attack, which was carried out by Hamas militants in retaliation for the ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip, has caused significant damage and casualties on both sides. According to Israeli TV channels, the death toll has reached 900, with at least 2,600 injured. The attack also claimed the lives of citizens of Italy, Ukraine, and the United States, as announced by President Joe Biden on Monday.
In response to the attack, the Israeli military has launched intense retaliatory strikes, targeting Hamas security headquarters and ministries. The strikes have also destroyed roads and houses in Gaza, causing further damage and casualties. Israel also imposed a total blockade on the Gaza Strip, preventing food and fuel from reaching the area.
The Israeli government has come under fire for the blockade, with many calling it a form of collective punishment and a violation of international laws. Human Rights Watch has condemned Israel’s actions, stating that depriving a population of food and electricity is a war crime.
The situation has also sparked fear that the fighting could spread to other areas, as Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group, fired rockets into northern Israel in response to the killing of three of its members in Israeli shelling on Lebanon. This has only added to the already volatile situation in the region.
In addition to the airstrikes and blockade, Israel has also announced the call-up of 300,000 reservists, the largest mobilization in the country’s history. This move has further fueled speculation that Israel may be planning a ground assault on the Gaza Strip, which it has not done in nearly two decades.
The rapid escalation of violence has caused concern and condemnation from the international community. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced that many people were taking shelter with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), highlighting the dire situation in the region.
The violence has also sent shockwaves through Israel, as the deadly attack by Hamas militants shattered the country’s reputation of invincibility. The Israeli government is now facing tough questions about their intelligence failures and is considering forming a national unity government with opposition leaders.
Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza and Israel are reeling from the devastation caused by the weekend attack and the subsequent airstrikes. In Gaza, rescue workers are still pulling bodies from the rubble, and the death toll continues to rise. In Israel, citizens are struggling to come to terms with the brutal attack on their towns and the ongoing threat of violence.
As the conflict shows no signs of abating, the international community has called for a de-escalation of violence and negotiations between Israel and Hamas. However, with both sides standing firm in their demands and the possibility of a ground assault looming, the situation in the Middle East remains tense and uncertain.
NEW 🧵
Top admin officials told senators to prepare their constituents for a long war in Israel & the Gaza Strip, indicating that U.S. support — both tangible & political — will be necessary in the coming weeks
Admin looking to establish domestic political expectations
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— Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) October 9, 2023
The officials, Acting Deputy SecState Victoria Nuland & Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Sasha Baker, suggested an imminent funding package isn’t necessary
BUT they said new security assistance for Israel should be included in Ukraine-focused supplemental
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— Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) October 9, 2023
Specifically, the officials added, Israel will need precision-guided missiles as well as replenishments for the Iron Dome missile defense system.
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— Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) October 9, 2023
On the call, SASC Chair Reed brought up Tuberville holds & wanted to know impact it’s having operationally in region
Others on call said the case should be made to Tuberville & to GOP senators more broadly that there’s a national-security imperative for him to back off
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— Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) October 9, 2023
State Dept vacancies were also brought up — positions like U.S. amb to Egypt & State Dept counterterrorism coordinator.
SFRC Chair Cardin & Ranking Member Risch told senators they’re making progress on un-sticking these noms & hope to confirm them in the coming weeks.
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— Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) October 9, 2023
