The conflict between Israeli forces and the Palestinian group Hamas has now extended into its second day, leading to significant casualties on both sides. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a cautionary statement, expressing concerns about a prolonged and demanding war. This report provides the current status, as documented by The EXPLAINERNG on October 9, 2023
Fighting
The conflict between Israeli forces and the Palestinian group Hamas has entered its second day, resulting in a significant toll on both sides. A surprise attack on Israel prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to caution about “a long and challenging war.” Here is the current situation as reported by The EXPLAINERNG on October 9, 2023.
Gun battles persist between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters in Ashkelon and various southern Israeli regions. Israeli jets have demolished a building that housed the Palestinian Islamic National Bank, located near where Al Jazeera was broadcasting live. Palestinians in Gaza have received evacuation messages from Israeli authorities, particularly those residing in the eastern part of Gaza, urging them to move immediately to more central areas.
Signs of the conflict potentially spreading beyond Gaza are emerging, with Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah exchanging artillery and rocket fire. Furthermore, in Alexandria, Egypt, two Israeli tourists, along with their Egyptian guide, were shot dead.
Hamas launched a dawn attack on Saturday, marking the largest and deadliest incursion into Israel since Egypt and Syria’s sudden assault 50 years ago, attempting to reclaim lost territory. Netanyahu has vowed “mighty vengeance.”
Read Also: Israel to “Use All Force Necessary to Destroy Hamas,” Vows Unprecedented Response – Netanyahu
Diplomacy
The United Nations Security Council has scheduled emergency closed consultations for Sunday to address the escalating violence. The meeting was initially called by Malta, with support from the United Arab Emirates and Brazil. China expressed deep concern over the dramatic escalation of violence between Israel and the Palestinians over the weekend, urging all parties to maintain calm.
Egypt is engaged in talks with Saudi Arabia and Jordan to de-escalate tensions between Palestinians and Israelis, as confirmed by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned of the volatility of the situation, particularly in light of Israeli attacks and violations against the Palestinian people in the West Bank.
Saudi Arabia called for an immediate cessation of violence. U.S. President Joe Biden denounced Saturday’s Hamas attacks in Israel as “unconscionable” and assured that his administration would provide Israel with the necessary means for self-defense.
Casualties
Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports 370 fatalities and 2,200 wounded as a result of Israel’s retaliatory strikes. In Israel, at least 600 people have been reported killed, although an official toll has not been released by Israeli authorities.
