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Palestinians face an uncertain future

January 10, 2025, 12:46 am

Saddam Husain in Iraq, Col Qaddafi in Libya and Hafiz al Assad in Syria came to power overthrowing ruthlessly oppressive regimes. Initially, they were perceived by people as harbingers of a new more tolerant Govts which will change their lives for the better. Regrettably, the new rulers increasingly used the intolerant, oppressive and authoritarian ways of their predecessors. To remain in power, they resorted to constant surveillance of their people and scared them of severe punishment for slightest signs of dissent; their loyal, henchmen brutally sniffed out all perceived threat to the regime. Disregard of the civil liberties wasn’t the only flaw of these regimes; they were corrupt, inefficient and guilty of economic mismanagement. Slowly, these regimes lost pulse of the people who were seething with anger, bitterness and hatred and waiting for their fall.
Bashar Assaad’s surprisingly swift collapse of power followed this trajectory. When in 1994, following the death of his elder brother Bassel in a car accident, Bashar was recalled by his father from London to groom as his heir, none could have imagined that he would soon outshine his father in centralisation of authority and conducting a ruthless, authoritarian and corrupt govt unconcerned about people’s problems.

He joined the Military academy and obtained the rank of a Colonel.In1998 he was made in charge of the Syrian occupation of Lebanon. Following the assassination of the Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri, Lebanon witnessed Cedar revolution characterised by anti-Syria protests which forced Assad to end the Lebanese occupation in 2005.
Earlier, he had put down the Damascus Spring (2001-2002) when activists demanded certain degree of transparency in governance and democracy with a heavy hand.

Though Assad belonged to Alawite clan which was a small minority in a predominantly a Sunny state, Assad filled all key post in the party, Govt and in the armed forces with family loyalist from his community which fanned sectarian divide.
His initial attempts at economic liberalisation had increased the hardships of the common people. In a short span of time, his personalised totalitarian police state brooking no opposition and resorting to extreme repression manged to alienate the rural population as well urban middle class, business community and many in his own Baath party.
In 2011-12, faced with widespread protests in Syria inspired by the Arab Spring, he ordered military clamp down. While Hilari Clinton, US Secretary of State pronounced that Bashar had lost all legitimacy, President Obama asked him to step down and facilitate the transition to a new elected Govt. But he survived; both Russia & China vetoed several UN resolutions which proposed imposition of severe sanctions on Syria. Iran and Egypt stood by him. Russia carried out extensive air strike against the ISIL (Islamic state for Iraq and Levant) but also against the Rebel fighters who were waging war against Bashar. At its peak, Russian military personnels were allegedly manning Syrian air defence system & armoured vehicles. They were also offering surveillance equipment & electronic warfare, helicopters, guided bombs radar etc. By 2015, thanks to Russian bombing, shacky position of Bashar Assad had been stabilised. By 2023, besides their Air Base in Lattakia and Naval Base in Tartus, Russia reportedly had 20 military bases and 85 other military points in Syria.

Iran allegedly extended financial assistance to the tune of US$ 9 billion; it’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards became the logistic hub to support Hezbollah in Lebanon. Some Western media reports allege, 10,000 Iranian fighters were in Syria to bolster Bashar’s regime. By 2023 Iran allegedly had 55 military bases and 512 other military points in Syria.
Iraq also supplied financial help & diesel. It allowed trucks with food items and possibly weapons pass through to Syria & let Iran use its air space to attack ISIL. Egypt also joined Syria & Iraq in its fight against ISIL which had occupied sizeable chunk of Syrian territory and was running its own regressive Govt treating the Yazidi women as virtual sex slaves,

While Russia, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Hezbollah in Lebanon & Hamas in Gaza were on Bashar’s side in against Syrian rebels, Saudi Arabia, UAE & Qatar, USA, UK, France, Israel and some other European countries sought Bashar’s ouster. The US which intervened in Syria in 2014 ostensibly to fight ISIL supported the Syrian Free Army and Kurdish led Syrian Democratic Forces. The militant groups supported by the US & European allies reportedly killed thousands of Bashar supporters; Bashar is accused of having killed around 500,000 Syrians in 15 year long civil war which made 4.5 million Syrians as refugees; over 3 million of them have fled to Turkey & a few thousand to European countries. According to UNHCR, the majority of Syrians have slidde into poverty and roughly 16.5 million of them need humanitarian assistance.

Ordinary Syrians’ spontaneous celebration of Bashar’s ouster reflected how unpopular he had become. Syrian army didn’t put up a fight in the lost battle. Russia bogged down in Ukraine perhaps took the eye off the ball. Hezbollah’s decimation in Lebanon and fear of Israeli attacks, prevented Iran from rushing to Bashar’s help. Hayat Tahrir al Sham leader Abu Mohammed al Jolani took advantage of the prevailing political vacuum, his march to, Damascus was almost unchallenged. Jolani who fought with Al Qaeda in Iraq against American invasion refused to do Baghdadi’s bidding in Syria and expanded his group’s capability with Turkish support has, so far, made right noises. Prior to taking over Damascus, in his interview with the CNN, he distanced himself from his past and claimed to have evolved as a nationalist Syrian who stood for national unity, offering equal treatment of all minorities and promising democratic elections and peace and prosperity for the people. One hopes, decades long proxy war in Syria is over for good.
The US has lifted its bounty of US$ 10 million on his head; the US and its allies could normalise relations with Syria if Jolani who, now, prefers to be called Ahmed al Sharaa holds election and lets a democratically elected inclusive govt take over. Sharaa has been quick to change his attire; from the outfit of a militant to army fatigue to tailored business suits; he has slipped in to the new role with ease and looks and acts confident.

Media allegations that Bashar’s ouster was hatched by the US, Saudi Arabia & Israel don’t sound so incredible now. When Bashar regime’s end looked imminent, Russia was left with no option but to go along. Erdogan who actively supported HTS is happy with Bashar’s exit; he had rocky relations with him.
With no foot in Syria anymore and, in Lebanon, Hezbollah in no position to resurrect soon, Iran appers the biggest loser. The US is happy that the Russian and Iranian hold on Syria is shattered and hopes, the new Govt might be less inimical to USA. The ascendence of Turkey’s influence in Syria and in the region is unmistakable.
Palestinians are worst off. After loss of nearly 46000 lives in Gaza which has been reduced to rubbles and Hamas & Hezbollah on the last leg, their long-held dream of two-states has become distant than ever.
Israel is grabbing territory in Syria, seems in no mood to evacuate from Gaza and is expanding its settlements on the West bank. With strongly pro-Israel Trump moving in the White House, Israel will be in no mood for making any concessions.

2025 seems much bleaker for the Palestinians whose cause has been almost abandoned by the Arab leaders.

Watch: US Marines Assaulted In Turkey Amid Anti-American Protests

September 3, 2024, 1:40 pm

Two US Marines were assaulted by a small crowd in Izmir, Turkey, on Monday, an incident that quickly went viral on social media. The American soldiers, part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) stationed aboard the USS Wasp, were attacked in the afternoon, according to a statement from the US Sixth Fleet.

Video footage of the event shows several individuals restraining the Marines as one of them repeatedly called for help. The crowd, chanting “Yankee, go home!” placed a bag over one Marine’s head. The US Navy confirmed that the Marines were on liberty during a scheduled port visit when the attack occurred around 3:30 p.m. on September 2, 2024.

NEW: Two U.S. servicemen from the U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS Wasp, assaulted in Izmir, Turkey.

A group of men were heard yelling “Yankee go home” as they assaulted one of the Americans and put a sack over his head.

The men responsible for the attack were members of… pic.twitter.com/yyIZ2e2Sag

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 2, 2024

Despite the confrontation, the Marines managed to escape with the help of nearby service members. They were taken to a local hospital for evaluation but reported no injuries and have since returned to their ship.

The US embassy in Turkey acknowledged the assault and thanked Turkish authorities for their prompt response. Local police intervened during the attack, arresting 15 suspects linked to the Turkish Youth Union, a nationalist group with a history of anti-American sentiment.

The Izmir Governorship stated that a judicial investigation is ongoing, with the suspects cooperating with authorities. The USS Wasp had docked in Izmir just a day prior as part of a scheduled port visit following joint military training exercises.

The US Navy highlighted that the 24th MEU is currently on a routine deployment with the Wasp Amphibious Readiness Group (WSP ARG) in the US Sixth Fleet’s area of operations. Their mission supports US, Allied, and partner interests in the region, including the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, while remaining ready to deter aggression.

What Will Netanyahu say If He ever Faced The Judgement Day?

July 28, 2024, 9:44 pm

I guess, in Judaism, unlike Hinduism and some other religions, for afterlife, the concept of heaven and hell doesn’t exist though the orthodox Judaism stresses that one must do good deeds as it is right thing to do but without expectation of any hypothetical future reward.
So, obviously, Netanyahu won’t have to answer on the Judgement Day for what he has done in Gaza and the West bank since Oct 2023. Still, can his actions be termed as good deeds? And was it right thing do?

One imagines, a stage comes when even a pathological killer says: it’s enough; can’t continue it anymore! May be, his inner conscience, whatever is left of it, revolts against his crimes. There might even be certain degree of remorse. Netanyahu beats these murderers in his insatiable obsession to unleash dance of death in Gaza!

Adolf Hitler gassed more than 3 million jews committing the worst heinous crimes in human history. Killing of 38000 Palestinians, more than 18000 of them children may not match the enormity of the Holocaust but the heartlessness and utter callousness with which Netanyahu orders killing of Palestinians represents the same Hitler like devilishness. How can any human being be so insensitive and so remorseless in killing other human beings irrespective of anger and intense revengefulness that drives his or her actions?
In Delhi, at 6.00 hrs, scores of mothers are seen standing at the bus stands with their 4–5-year-old kids, with the school bags on their backs, and tiny lunch boxes in hands waiting for the school bus. Others could be seen putting their children in Special rickshaws with their water bottles hanging on the side. After seeing off their loved ones to schools, they prepare their lunch and wait for their return. There is no doubt in their minds that their kids will come back home safely. Contrast this scene with hundreds of Palestinian mothers standing amidst vast wasteland of rubbles and debris of the buildings hit by Israeli bombs and missiles, holding hands of their half-clad hungry children with no food or water in sight, utter helplessness and disbelief dripping from their faces, with tear filled eyes looking up towards the sky praying to Allah that Israeli bombs may not take away some more loved ones today. Their blank eyes remind one of the scenes of Sophie’s choice, award winning film of Alan Pakula in which a Jewish mother is asked to choose between her son and daughter to be gassed. But alas, Netanyahu’s bombs don’t give any choice to the Palestinian mothers; they kill their sons as well as daughters alike!

What could be a matter of greater shame than the fact that the entire world just watches helplessly, like a bystander, the unspeakable human tragedy in Gaza caused by Netanyahu?
Hamas’s attack on Israel on7th Oct 2023, killing over 1200 Israeli citizens, committing brutalities and taking over 200 hostages was an inexcusably heinous crime which can’t be defended Irrespective of the provocation. Israel’s anger and urge to punish HAMAS is understandable. But where is the logic & justification for killing 38000 Palestinians in the name of punishing Hamas reducing cities, towns, buildings, schools & hospitals to rubbles and ordering helpless Palestinians like cattle from one area of Gaza to another with no basic facilities, food or shelter? What moral ground, if any, can Netanyahu claim when he himself descends to much lower level than those whom wishes to punish?

Netanyahu, entrenched in numerous corruption charges, was on the verge of losing his job. Out of blue, came Hamas’s terrorist attacks in Oct last year which gave Netanyahu a lease of life; even his detractors in the Govt fell in line to support him. Ever since, he has been trying to obliterate Hamas from the face of earth but half his cabinet and several IDF generals don’t feel that Israel is winning the war in Gaza. Besides, Hezbollah’s and Houthi attacks on Israel are expanding the conflict to Lebanon and Yemen. Even if IDF is able to kill the last Hamas fighter, will that kill Hamas? It’s naïve to think so. Their violent means and methods are wrong and can’t be defended but very few Muslims question the legitimacy of Hamas’s broader objective: ending the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. For millions of Arabs in the street, Hamas represent an idea: Resistance to Israel. So, long as Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories persists, organizations like Hamas with whatever name, will appeal to the youth of the Palestinians.
Netanyahu is no statesman. He is a ruthless, beleaguered politician for whom his political survival is most important. He has no long-term vision for Israel. In fact, by his relentless and indiscriminate Killing of the Palestinians he has not only inflicted incalculable sufferings on innocent Palestinians but also harmed long term interests of Israel. If he were a statesman like Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres, he would have realised that notwithstanding the unquestionable military superiority of Israel, for the long-term security of the Israeli state and the peace of the Israeli people, there was is option but to make peace with the Palestinians through dialogue and diplomacy; it can’t be achieved through bombs and missiles!

Leaders have been buried under the dust of history, time keeps on ticking but the two states solution was, is and will be the only practical and viable means for bringing about an end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Regrettably, by his ten-month long operations in Gaza and the west Bank, Netanyahu has indirectly given birth to ten times more future Palestinian fighters than he has killed. A Palestinian boy who has seen with his own eyes his mother and father killed by Israeli bombs and buried under rubbles, if survives against all odds for the next ten years, will be ready to pick up a gun at 15 years and kill Israelis even if he is himself killed in the process.

The fire of revenge doesn’t burn on one side only. How long should this saga of revenge be allowed to continue?

Palestinians ‘In Mourning’ As They Celebrate Eid Amid Ongoing Attacks

June 16, 2024, 3:37 pm

Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank are observing a solemn Eid al-Adha amid ongoing Israeli military attacks, now spanning over eight months since the conflict began. In Gaza, devastated neighborhoods serve as prayer sites amidst relentless airstrikes, particularly in Rafah and central Gaza. The assaults have exacerbated internal displacement and humanitarian crises, with reports of dehydration and hunger adding to the plight of displaced families, many of whom are mourning lost loved ones.

Despite the grim circumstances, Palestinians strive to maintain a semblance of normalcy for children on Eid, though the blockade has prevented sacrificial animals from entering Gaza, denying them traditional rituals. Meanwhile, Israel has announced a temporary halt in military operations along certain routes to facilitate aid access, yet combat continues in southern Gaza unabated, underscoring the ongoing volatility despite localized pauses.

Hamas Chief Says Will Not Accept ‘Gaza Ceasefire Deal’ Without Security For Palestinians

June 8, 2024, 5:44 pm

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh made a firm statement, asserting that Israel cannot impose its decisions on the Palestinian group. He emphasized that the Gaza Ceasefire deal must ensure security for Palestinians, indicating a stance against accepting agreements without such assurances.

Haniyeh highlighted ongoing Israeli military actions, characterizing them as “massacres against our people.” He expressed frustration that despite Israel’s inclusion in the UN’s “blacklist” for harming children, the international community has not effectively halted what he described as a “war of extermination” against Palestinians.

Tensions escalate in the Gaza Strip as Israeli forces launch a series of attacks in central Gaza, targeting areas in Deir el-Balah and Rafah. Tamer Qarmout, an associate professor of public policy at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, sheds light on the situation, stating that Israel’s latest offensive is aimed at increasing pressure on Hamas and the wider Gaza region.

Qarmout suggests that Israel’s objective with these attacks is to compel Hamas into accepting the Gaza Ceasefire deal without any guarantees for a lasting ceasefire. He points out that military analysts have identified Deir el-Balah and Rafah as the last areas in Gaza where Israeli forces have not fully occupied or entered. This indicates, according to Qarmout, a potential strategy by Israel to achieve what some call a “full victory” by completely rooting out Hamas from the region.

However, Qarmout highlights the devastating human cost associated with such tactics. He mentions that there are concerns about the potential loss of civilian lives and infrastructure damage as Israeli forces intensify their operations in Gaza.

Israeli FM Warns ‘Severe Consequences’ Following Ireland and Norway’s Recognition Of Palestinian Statehood

May 22, 2024, 2:57 pm

As several nations officially acknowledged Palestinian statehood on Wednesday, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, delivered a stern warning to Ireland and Norway, asserting that Israel would not remain passive. Responding to this development, Katz promptly ordered the recall of Israel’s ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations.

Spain, Norway, and Ireland announced their intentions to recognize an independent Palestinian state on Wednesday, in what was seen as a rebuke to Israel for its actions in Gaza and its prolonged occupation of Palestinian territories, according to The New York Times.

In a statement shared on a platform called X, Foreign Minister Katz emphasized that this decision sends a troubling message, suggesting that “terrorism pays.” He further criticized these nations for rewarding Hamas and Iran by recognizing Palestinian statehood, particularly in the aftermath of recent violent events.

Katz condemned the move as unjust to the victims of recent attacks and detrimental to peace efforts. He warned of severe consequences and hinted at potential actions against Spain if it follows suit. Despite international pressure, Israel remains committed to its security goals and opposes unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.

While over 140 countries, including the Holy See, have recognized a Palestinian state, most Western European nations and the US have not. These countries argue that statehood should be achieved through negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, with unilateral measures by third parties hindering the peace process.

Israel has consistently rejected international efforts to recognize Palestinian statehood, insisting on direct negotiations for a permanent solution. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized that establishing a Palestinian state would pose an existential threat to Israel’s security.

Israel Police arrest 2 for Molotov Cocktail Attacks in Jerusalem neighborhood

March 24, 2024, 3:47 pm

The Israel Police have arrested two Palestinians suspected of throwing Molotov cocktails, including those containing nails, at homes in the Beit Hanina neighborhood of Jerusalem.

Last month, multiple fires and damage occurred near homes in Beit Hanina, although there were no casualties. Following the incident, Jerusalem police launched an investigation and apprehended the suspects, who allegedly carried out the attacks for nationalist motives.

Israel launches military operation at Gaza’s al-Shifa Hospital

March 18, 2024, 12:16 pm

Based on intelligence that senior Hamas operatives are using the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza to organise operations against Israel, the Israeli military launched a targeted raid within restricted parts of the facility.

Early on Monday morning, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Spokesperson Radam stated that the operation is in reaction to specific intelligence that calls for quick action. She emphasised that the goal of the operation is to fight Hamas militants rather than endanger civilians.

“We know that senior Hamas terrorists have regrouped inside the al-Shifa hospital and are using it to command attacks against Israel,” claimed RAdm Hagari.

He further stressed that in order to reduce the number of civilian casualties, the operation is carried out with caution and precision. The IDF is offering humanitarian aid to civilians and has sent medical professionals and Arabic-speaking staff to assist patients inside the hospital compound.

“While there is no obligation for patients and medical staff to evacuate the hospital, a pathway is available for civilians seeking to leave,” RAdm Hagari said. He emphasised that hospitals should never be used as a cover for terrorist activity and urged Hamas militants to turn themselves up.

“Terrorist attacks should never be carried out via medical facilities. Hagari said in his brief video statement, which was uploaded by IDF on X, “Hamas must be held accountable.”

“We hold the Israeli occupation responsible for the lives of medical staff, patients, and displaced people inside the al-Shifa Medical Complex,” the Health Ministry in Gaza, which is under the leadership of Hamas, stated in a statement regarding the ongoing Israeli offensive, as reported by Al Jazeera.

“International humanitarian law is being flagrantly violated by what the occupation soldiers are doing. The statement continued, “The Israeli occupation continues to manipulate the world with its manufactured narratives in order to justify the storming of the al-Shifa Medical Complex.”

Dozens of Palestinians were seen escaping Gaza’s al-Shifa Hospital in footage that Al Jazeera’s Sanad verification section was able to confirm was taken during an operation by Israeli soldiers.

There were casualties and fatalities as Israeli forces opened fire inside the northern Gaza City medical facility. According to the report, Israeli bombing was also the cause of a fire that started in one of the surgical buildings at al-Shifa Hospital.

Additionally, the Israeli military is using loudspeakers to force everyone to leave the hospital as gunfire inside the complex has resulted in fatalities and injuries, according to Al Jazeera.

Israel-Hamas war updates: Israeli Forces Eliminate Five Palestinian Terrorists

November 17, 2023, 3:55 pm

Five Palestinian terrorists were gunned down during a nighttime counter-terror raid in Jenin, according to the Israel Defence Forces on Friday morning. The IDF reported that the terrorists, involved in firing on soldiers, attempted to evade capture by seeking refuge in a local hospital.

During the operation, an Israeli drone targeted a group of terrorists engaged in an exchange of fire with IDF soldiers. Simultaneously, other assailants resorted to hurling explosives at the forces. Several gunmen managed to escape in cars and an ambulance, leading authorities to the Ibn Sina Hospital in Jenin. One of the terrorists was apprehended at the hospital entrance, and a subsequent search of his vehicle revealed three M-16 rifles.

In a parallel move, security forces in Hebron marked the homes of three terrorists linked to Thursday’s shooting at a Jerusalem checkpoint for demolition. The attack resulted in the tragic death of Avraham Fetena, a 20-year-old military police officer, and left five others injured. Hamas claimed responsibility for the checkpoint assault.

During the operation, an Israeli drone attacked a group of militants who were firing on soldiers. Other Palestinians hurled bombs. According to police and the IDF, six gunmen escaped in automobiles and an ambulance towards Jenin’s Ibn Sina hospital. One of the terrorists was apprehended at the hospital’s entrance. Three M-16 firearms were discovered in the vehicle during a search.

Israel-Hamas war: “No Possibility” of Gaza ceasefire says US President Joe Biden

November 10, 2023, 12:17 pm

President Joe Biden categorically stated that there is “no possibility” of a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the relentless pursuit of securing the hostages’ release. Speaking to reporters before departing on Air Force One, Biden asserted, “None, No possibility.” Despite the ongoing airstrikes in the Middle East, Biden expressed optimism about the efforts to retrieve hostages, assuring, “We’re still optimistic.”

Responding to questions about his discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden acknowledged requesting a pause of more than three days for hostage evacuation, acknowledging, “It’s taking a little longer than I hoped.”

Welcoming Israel’s decision to formalize humanitarian pauses, Biden considered it a “step in the right direction.” He affirmed the significance of these pauses in ensuring civilian safety and facilitating aid flow to alleviate the suffering in Gaza.

White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby highlighted active discussions with Israel about tactical humanitarian pauses. Kirby noted the announcement of two humanitarian corridors allowing civilians to flee the northern part of Gaza, emphasizing the critical need to expand humanitarian supplies in areas where civilians are moving. Taking to X, Biden stated, “These pauses will help get civilians to safer areas away from active fighting. They are a step in the right direction. You have my word: I will continue to advocate for civilian safety and focus on increasing aid to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza.”

Despite these measures, as reported by the UN Office for the Coordinator of Humanitarian Affairs, around 50,000 Palestinians have already evacuated northern Gaza through the Salah a Din humanitarian corridor amid the ongoing conflict. The IDF’s decision to permit people to move south came after diplomatic pressure from the Biden administration, marking the sixth consecutive day of evacuation efforts.

At least 230 Palestinians killed in Israeli retaliation following the Hamas terror attacks

October 8, 2023, 10:33 am

Al Jazeera reported that at least 232 people were killed on Sunday in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza as a result of Israel’s retaliatory strikes in response to the Hamas rocket launch and the unprecedented ground assault in the Middle Eastern nation. On Saturday, Hamas fighters launched the largest offensive against Israel in years, invading regions in the south of the country in response to a barrage of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip. Israel’s national rescue service claims that the attack was the bloodiest in recent memory and that more than 300 people died as a result.

Also captured and brought into Gaza were a sizable number of Israeli citizens and military personnel. According to Al Jazeera, Israel and Hamas both asserted that gunfights were still going on throughout Israel late on Saturday. Hamas fighters who crossed into Israel by land, sea, and air carried out the attack, which got underway at 6.30 am local time on Saturday (03:30 GMT). Yoav Gallant, Israel’s defense minister, warned Hamas that its use of rockets and a ground assault was a “grave mistake.”

“Citizens of Israel, we are at war. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video message from military headquarters in Tel Aviv after the attacks broke out.
Israel’s military launched a series of air raids on Gaza in response to the attacks.
Senior Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif declared that the rocket launch was the beginning of “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood”, urging Palestinians all over the world to resist Israeli occupation.
Hamas would pay a “heavy price for its actions”, the Israeli military told citizens living near the Gaza Strip, ordering them to remain inside their houses.