Image Credits - Al Jazeera
As hostilities escalated, Israel’s military announced that its navy and air force had launched large-scale strikes against dozens of targets in the country. Gaza Strip This operation is one of the most important military activities in the region in recent months.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the attacks in a statement released early Monday morning. According to the IDF, the targets were weapons depots, rocket launch sites and military training camps run by Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
“These operations are in response to continued rocket fire targeting civilian communities in southern Israel,” an IDF spokesman said. “We are determined to protect our citizens and destroy the terrorist infrastructure in Gaza.”
Witnesses in Gaza reported heavy shelling overnight, with explosions lighting up the sky and the sounds of drones and fighter jets overhead. Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported several deaths, although exact numbers have yet to be confirmed.
The latest violence erupted last week following incidents along the Israel-Gaza border. Tensions continued after the ceasefire negotiations brokered by Egypt and the United Nations broke down. There have been sporadic clashes and rocket fire along the border, and both sides have accused each other of provocations.
“We are in constant danger,” said an Israeli in Ashkelon, a city often targeted by rockets from Gaza. “The government must do everything to ensure our safety.”
A Hamas spokesman criticized the Israeli attacks, labelling them a ‘major escalation’ and vowing retaliation. “We don’t stand by when people are targeted,” the spokesman said.
Renewed violence threatens to derail international efforts for a long-term peace deal between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza. Analysts warn that without meaningful dialogue, a cycle of retaliation is likely to continue, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the densely populated coastal region.
As the situation remains volatile, international calls for restraint and a return to negotiations have increased. The United Nations and several countries, including the United States and members of the European Union, have called on both sides to relax and prioritize civilian security.