Israel-Hamas war: Over 200 locations bombed… here’s all you need to know

Israel is not unfamiliar with war and warfare but the surprise attack launched by Hamas defied its military surveillance, leading to Israel’s retaliation resulting in a war. More than 900 Israelis and 700 Palestinians have died and more than 120,000 people displaced in Gaza following intense bombardments in the Israel-Hamas war. Gaza Strip, which is referred to by rights groups as the “world’s largest open-air prison” is governed by Palestine and is now under “total blockade”, including a ban on admitting food and fuel as declared by Israel.

The exact cause of the war which started on the 8th of October is yet to be confirmed. However, it is speculated that the act by some Jews over the previous week to engage in prayer within the confines of the al-Aqsa mosque complex in Jerusalem’s Old City was seen as provocative. This location is recognized by Muslims as Haram al-Sharif, ranking as the third holiest site in Islam, trailing Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. In Jewish tradition, it is referred to as the Temple Mount and holds significance as the historical site of the Jewish temple mentioned in the Bible.

However, there has been a long history of feud between Israel and Hamas dating back to 1987, more prominent is the 16-year blockade of Gaza imposed by both Israel and Egypt is another possible major reason for the war. The blockade has had a devastating impact on the region’s internal economy and has led to significant suffering among the local population.

In a video posted on X, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu referred to Hamas as “savages” and expressed confidence that his country will emerge victorious in this conflict with the Palestinian armed group.

Netanyahu went on to state that Hamas has committed a historic mistake by “slaughtering families in their homes, massacring hundreds of young people at an outdoor festival, kidnapping scores of women, children and elderly, even Holocaust survivors”. He emphasized that Israel intends to “exact a price” on Hamas that will be remembered by them and other adversaries for decades.

Here are the Latest developments

• More than 200 locations in Gaza have been bombed by Israel; Gaza’s largest cities being major targets.
• Israel reports gaining “full control” of the Gaza fence breached by Hamas militants who crossed into southern Israel on Saturday. Mines. are now being planted in the area to prevent further invasion.
• More than 100 Israeli families have loved oned who are now hostages in Gaza.
• The Gaza Palestinian health ministry has appealed for the establishment of a “secure passage” to facilitate the delivery of critical medical assistance to hospitals in the region. The hospitals are currently overwhelmed with casualties, both the deceased and the injured.
• The number of casualties from Hamas attacks in Thailand has increased to 18. Eleven Thai nationals including one woman are being held hostage by armed Palestinian groups. More than 3,000 Thais have been asked to return to their country.
• The US has also reaffirmed support for Isreal in securing Israelis held hostage by Hamas.
• According to the Gaza Palestinian health ministry, the number of fatalities resulting from Israeli airstrikes in the region has now reached 704, which includes 143 children and 105 women. Additionally, these attacks have left approximately 4,000 other Palestinians injured.
• Two journalists have been killed in Gaza.
• Indonesians have been asked to return home following the insecurity.
• Armed fighters who attempted to infiltrate the Isreal via Lebanon have been killed as reports of tensions at the Lebanese-Israeli border heightens. Palestinian groups in Lebanon say they are eager to start a new front against Israel if Hezbollah leads the charge.
• humanitarian relief agency reports a significant increase in mass displacement within the Gaza Strip, with an estimated 187,518 Palestinians having evacuated their residences.
• 300,000 reservists are to be recruited by Isreal in the war.
• Jabalia and al-Shati refugee camps have come under air attacks by Israel leading to dozens of casualties.
• Qassam Brigades, a Palestinian group, has revealed a new weapon.