The Indian embassy in Israel has issued a cautionary advisory to its citizens, urging them to stay vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines recommended by local authorities.
“Escalating clashes between Israeli forces and the Palestinian group Hamas reached a critical point today, resulting in a substantial loss of life on both sides following an attack on Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned that they were entering into a protracted and challenging conflict.”
Table of Contents
Here are the latest developments in this significant news story, providing you with the top 10 updates. Israeli
- 1.In the deadliest escalation of the conflict in decades, Hamas unleashed a massive barrage of rockets and launched ground, air, and sea offensives. Israel’s military reported over 300 Israeli casualties and 1,000 injuries. Meanwhile, Gaza authorities stated that relentless Israeli airstrikes had pushed the Palestinian death toll to a minimum of 313, with nearly 1,700 people wounded.
- 2.Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to retaliate in the face of what he described as a “grim day” for Israel. He stated, “The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) is prepared to exert its full might to dismantle Hamas’s capabilities. We will pursue them relentlessly and respond with unwavering strength to avenge this dark day that has been inflicted upon Israel and its citizens.”
- 3.Netanyahu cautioned Palestinians residing near Hamas installations in Gaza to evacuate immediately, asserting his commitment to reducing their hideouts to “ruins” in response to the unexpected assault. He emphasized, “To the Gaza residents, I implore you: evacuate now, as we are preparing to respond with full force in every area.”
- 4.Israeli authorities reported that Hamas had abducted approximately 100 soldiers and civilians. Richard Hecht, the army spokesperson, stated, “Terrorists carried out widespread incursions, forcibly entered residences, and targeted innocent civilians. Hundreds infiltrated the nation, with hundreds still engaged in combat with Israeli troops within our borders.”
- 5.Hamas militants launched thousands of rockets and breached Gaza’s security barrier, targeting neighboring Israeli towns and military installations. They also engaged in shooting incidents against local residents and those passing through the area. The operation was named “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” with a call to arms directed at “resistance fighters in the West Bank” and in “Arab and Islamic nations” to join the conflict. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh declared that the group stood on the “brink of a significant triumph.
- 6.Hamas unveiled images of multiple captured Israelis. In the Israeli town of Sderot, adjacent to Gaza, harrowing scenes unfolded as bodies were found strewn across the streets and inside vehicles, their windshields shattered by a barrage of bullets.
- 7.In retaliation to the lethal assaults, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) proclaimed a state of preparedness for a conflict. The IDF initiated “Operation Iron Blades,” targeting various sites within the Gaza Strip. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant conveyed in a video address, “We have witnessed a malevolent act by Hamas, an indiscriminate attack that spared no consideration for women, children, or the elderly. It will swiftly recognize the gravity of its error. We are determined to reshape the reality in the Gaza Strip.”
- 8.In response to the emergency session convened by the UN Security Council today, President Joe Biden reaffirmed his “steadfast and resolute” backing for Israel while cautioning “any adversarial entity seeking to exploit this situation against Israel.”
- 9.This surge in hostilities comes on the heels of several months marked by escalating violence, primarily in the occupied West Bank, heightened tensions along Gaza’s border, and disputes concerning contested holy sites in Jerusalem.
- 10.The Indian embassy in Israel issued a directive to its citizens, urging them to maintain a state of vigilance and adhere to safety guidelines provided by local authorities. The advisory emphasized, “Kindly exercise prudence, minimize non-essential travel, and keep in proximity to secure shelter locations.”
