Conflict has broken out across the Gaza strip after a coordinated assault via land, sea, and air by terrorist organisation Hamas on Saturday. The Israeli government has “declared war” in response to the attack, which has seen over a thousand civilians killed and counting. While the bloodshed is ongoing, it is clear there is no turning back for either side with the near certainty of escalation and continued violence.
What is the current situation?
At 6:30am local time, air raid sirens sounded across southern and central Israel, warning of incoming rockets. This series of rocket strikes hit across the region, with over 3,000 projectiles raining down from Gaza across major cities, including Jerusalem and as far as Tel Aviv.
As sirens blared in the distance, the Supernova music festival continued on in southern Israel. Partygoers came to celebrate the Jewish festival of Sukkot, a weeklong celebration of the harvest season. Known as one of the most joyous festivals of the year, the celebration promised fun, music, and celebration among friends and family. As sirens blared in the distance and the barrage of rockets began to rain over the city, the situation quickly deteriorated. Hamas militants arrived swiftly in vans, cutting off the electricity and beginning to shoot into the crowds killing and wounding dozens, as well as kidnapping civilians and leading them away on motorbikes.
Harrowing footage has circulated online, showing execution style killings of festival goers and artillery exchanges reducing the festival to a warzone. To date, 260 bodies have been recovered, as the toll of the attack grows. Hamas is also reported to be holding 130 people hostage, including children, with concerns that US and Chinese nationals may have been caught up in the capture.
The strategic and surprising nature of the assault led by Hamas has shocked many, it comes during a period of continuing tensions between Israel and Palestine. While the death toll has grown on both sides, the multi-pronged attack seen over the weekend was unexpected and tragic.
Who is involved?
Israel: Located in the Middle East, on the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Lies at the junction of Asia, Africa and Europe.
The Gaza Strip: A densely populated and highly contested region on the east Mediterranean coast. Has been occupied by Israel since 1967. Hamas has maintained governance of over 2 million Palestinians in the region since the 1980s.
Hamas: Labelled as a terrorist organisation by Australia, the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and other Western countries. Founded in 1987 as a “religiously motivated violent extremist organisation” with Sunni Islamist beliefs and Palestinian nationalism. Total membership is difficult to recognise, however numbers are estimated at up to 30,000 fighters.
Where is this happening?
The Palestinian Territories: The name for the combined territories of Gaza and the West Bank. These regions are split by geography and political leadership. Gaza is controlled by Hamas, whereas the West Bank is controlled by the Palestinian Authority. Currently there are roughly 4.8 million living in the contested region of Gaza.
What has the response been?
Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war on Hamas on Sunday, telling citizens to prepare for a “long and difficult” conflict and escape if possible. Retaliatory strikes began hours after the first rocket strikes, with reports by the Israeli government that it has decimated buildings belonging to Hamas in Gaza. Defence minister Yoav Gallant on Monday stated that Gaza would be “under complete siege”, as electricity, food, and fuel supplies were cut off. Violence has continued, with the civilian death toll on both sides rising as strikes continue.
Australia: Foreign Minister Penny Wong reiterated the nation’s support for Israel, stating on Monday that Australia urges the protection of civilian lives, and for any Australians in the area to reassure their families of their safety. Talks with the United States and Israel regarding what support is needed is still ongoing, however she reminded the media of Australia’s current defence operation, with peacekeeping Operation Paladin in effect in the region since 2003.
US: President Joe Biden issued a joint statement on Monday with the leaders of France, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom, expressing their “united support of Israel and unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its appalling acts of terrorism”. The administration has also promised to work alongside Israeli defence authorities to address the hostage situation and determine an appropriate response.
Iran: Has been militarily supporting Hamas through the production of domestic rocket systems in Gaza, and is known for covertly assisting other terrorist organisations like Hezbollah. While the extent of their involvement in the current assault is unknown, it is clear Iran has been offering “help and support” against Israel, as understood by former Hamas official Ali Barakeh. The improved weapon system Hamas now possesses enabled them to pull off the large scale incursion witnessed over the weekend, and is an indication of Iran’s broader objectives in the region.
One particular focus has been the ongoing US led talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which Iran has disagreed with due to its adversarial ties with Israel. As the war escalates, these discussions have been put on hold, with Iran warning of “far reaching consequences” if the violence continues, including the possibility of its own response.
What is to come?
The situation in Israel continues to deteriorate, with Israel bringing forward approximately 360,000 military reserves, and assembling troops across the border it shares with the Gaza strip. Israeli PM Netanyahu was pictured meeting with soldiers, telling them to prepare for “the next stage”. Israel has also instructed the 1.1 million Palestinians currently living in the area to evacuate promptly towards the South, announcing the move on social media and through leaflets dropped over homes. Hamas has defied this, asking people to stay indoors and not respond to calls against their solidarity. Countries including Australia have responded by ordering for repatriation flights, and announcing via their embassies for all citizens to evacuate as safely as possible.
The future of the region is unknown. However, the rate at which the situation has escalated over the last week alone is an indication that there is more to come. Over the next few weeks, an Israel-led ground invasion is expected, as well as continued retaliatory measures by Hamas. The humanitarian crisis across the border is also expected to worsen, as water, electricity and food supplies remain restricted.
