Israel-Palestine Conflict Day 2: Israeli Forces Report ‘Continued Presence of Adversary on the Ground’ as Strikes Hit 800 Hamas Targets in Gaza
The Israeli military says it has pounded over 800 Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip since the start of its operation on Monday, as the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group enters its second day.
The Israeli army says it is targeting Hamas’s military infrastructure, including rocket launchers and command and control centers.
The Palestinian Health Ministry says at least 60 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli airstrikes, including 16 children.
The Israeli military says it is doing everything possible to avoid civilian casualties, but that Hamas is deliberately placing its military assets in civilian areas.
The violence has sparked international condemnation, with the United Nations and the European Union calling for a ceasefire.
However, both sides have so far refused to back down.
Israeli army says ‘enemy still on ground’
The Israeli military says that Hamas militants are still firing rockets into Israel, despite the heavy airstrikes.
“The enemy is still on the ground,” said Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Hidai Zilberman. “We are continuing to attack Hamas targets and we will continue to do so until we achieve our goals.”
Hamas vows to continue fighting
Hamas has vowed to continue fighting until Israel ends its blockade of the Gaza Strip.
“We will not surrender,” said Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem. “We will continue to fight until we liberate our land and our people.”
International condemnation
The United Nations and the European Union have condemned the violence and called for a ceasefire.
“I am deeply concerned by the escalating violence in the Gaza Strip and Israel,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. “I call on all sides to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid further escalation.”
Ceasefire efforts
The United States and Egypt are reportedly working to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
However, it is unclear whether either side is willing to accept a ceasefire at this time.
Analysis
The war between Israel and Hamas is the worst violence in the region since 2014.
The conflict has been sparked by a number of factors, including the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, the recent clashes between Israeli and Palestinian police in Jerusalem, and the ongoing Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank.
The war is having a devastating impact on the people of Gaza. The Strip is already one of the poorest and most densely populated places in the world. The Israeli airstrikes have destroyed homes and infrastructure, and have left thousands of people homeless.
The war is also having a significant impact on the people of Israel. The rocket attacks from Gaza have caused fear and anxiety among Israelis, and have disrupted businesses and schools.
It is unclear when the war will end. Both sides have shown no signs of backing down, and the international efforts to mediate a ceasefire have so far been unsuccessful.
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