Gaza Conflict Intensifies: Israel Launches Offensive to Crush Hamas and Islamic Jihad

Hamas and Islamic Jihad military and governing capabilities approved for destruction
Blockade of power, fuel, and supplies to the Gaza Strip and establishment of military-restricted zones

According to Reuters and Sputnik News, on the 8th, Israel decided to destroy Palestinian armed factions Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which launched a surprise attack on Israel.

 

According to the reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israeli Security Cabinet approved the decision to destroy the military and governing capabilities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad on this day.

He also mentioned that the first phase of the military operation against Hamas has been completed, as most of the infiltrated enemy forces within Israel have been eliminated.

Separately, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office reported that Israel will cut off power supply to the Gaza Strip and block the delivery of fuel and goods from the outside, as reported by Sputnik News.

TASS News reported that the Israeli military announced establishing a restricted military zone within the Gaza Strip through its intelligence office.

The timing and scale of Israel’s military operation targeting Palestinian armed groups are still unclear.

Earlier, Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Hagari stated that the fact that there are many civilians and soldiers held hostage by Hamas will have an impact on future wars and what Israel will do against Hamas.

On the Jewish Sabbath on the 7th, Hamas targeted Israel by firing thousands of rockets and infiltrating armed personnel, capturing over 50 Israeli soldiers as prisoners and taking multiple civilians as hostages.

The Hamas military spokesperson stated in a broadcast material after midnight on the 7th that the number of Israelis held by Hamas is “many times more than dozens” and that the hostages have been dispersed throughout the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, local media such as The Jerusalem Post cited the Israeli Ministry of Health and reported that over 300 residents in Israel have died, and at least 1,500 have been injured.

The health authorities in the Gaza Strip, under the control of Hamas, also reported that at least 232 people have been killed and nearly 1,700 residents have been injured due to Israel’s retaliatory airstrikes in the Gaza Strip.