World
Israel Declares Total Siege On Gaza, Cutting Palestinians Off Fuel, Electricity, And Food, Amid Unrelenting Air Strikes
Swarajya Staff
Oct 09, 2023, 06:18 PM | Updated 06:17 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
In response to Saturday's (7 October) devastating rocket and terrorist attack launched by Hamas on Israeli territory, Israel's defence minister has taken the unprecedented step of ordering a "complete siege" on Gaza.
This decision follows Hamas's surprise attack on Israel's southern cities, marking the deadliest incursion into Israeli territory since the attacks by Egypt and Syria in the Yom Kippur War 50 years ago, resulting in the loss of more than 700 Israeli lives.
As a retaliatory measure, Israel declared a state of 'war' and launched Operation 'Iron Swords', with the intent of dismantling Hamas.
Beginning on Saturday, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducted airstrikes targeting Hamas officials in Gaza, resulting in the death of more than 400 Palestinians.
According to a report by Times of India, Israel's Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, stated that Israel would take strong measures against the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, including imposing a ban on the admission of food, fuel, and electricity to Gaza.
A separate report by the Wall Street Journal suggests that Iran played a role in helping Hamas plan this operation. Iranian security officers were reportedly involved in planning Hamas' attack and gave the green light for the assault during a meeting in Beirut last Monday.
However, a spokesman for Iran’s mission to the United Nations denied direct involvement, stating that they support Gaza’s actions, which are determined solely by the Palestinian authorities.
Meanwhile, the United States' USS Gerald R Ford carrier strike group has been deployed to the eastern Mediterranean to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
This group includes the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford (CVN-78), the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh-Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).
General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, Commander of the US Central Command, expressed firm support for Israel and regional partners in addressing the risks posed by any party seeking to expand the conflict.
Israel has also hinted at the possibility of taking physical control of the Gaza Strip.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) emphasised their focus on stabilising control in the Gaza Strip. Lt Col Richard Hecht, the IDF international spokesperson, stated that their immediate objectives include gaining control over the entire territory, and eliminating all terrorists within their territory.
He added that the IDF might consider the eviction of specific communities in Gaza as the situation unfolds.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.