Israel said it attacked Gaza on Friday amid heightened tensions in the occupied West Bank following the arrest of a senior Palestinian insurgent earlier this week.
Israel has also declared a ‘special situation’ in the country where all schools within 80 km of the border have been closed and other people’s activities have been stopped.
Israel closed roads around Gaza earlier this week and sent additional troops to the border in anticipation of an attack following the arrest of a senior Hamas member in the occupied West Bank on Monday.
There have been four wars and several minor skirmishes in 15 years between Israel and Palestine’s Hamas. The most fierce battle in recent times took place in May 2021 and its fears increased earlier this year as well.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barholm said: “Israeli enemies, who have launched provocations against Gaza, have committed a new crime, for which they will pay the price.”
“We are starting a fight and the Palestinian resistance will have to stand united against this aggression,” Hamas leader Zail al-Nakhla told Iran via al-Maydin TV network.
Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz, visiting settlements near Gaza on Friday, said officials were taking “actions that would remove the threat from the region.” We will work with inner resilience and outward strength to restore life.” Gantz said, “We don’t want conflict, but we won’t hesitate to defend our citizens if necessary.”
Earlier, some Israelis protested near the Gaza Strip on Friday, demanding the return of the bodies of two Hamas-held captives and two Israeli soldiers. The protesters were led by Haider Goldin’s family. Goldin and Oron Shawl were killed in the 2014 Gaza War.
AP
Devendra Rajkumar
Prince