Escalating tension in the Middle East – More than 1,600 dead in total since last Saturday when Hamas attacked Israel – US sends equipment
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed yesterday that his attack on Hamas would “change the Middle East” as Israel stepped up airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and cut it off from food, water, fuel and other supplies in retaliation for the bloody invasion of its fighters.
“As Israel’s prime minister, I tell you frankly, difficult days are still ahead of us,” Netanyahu warned in a televised address on Monday.
In total, more than 1,600 people have lost their lives in four days. Specifically, more than 900 people have been killed in Israel, according to the authorities, while the number of dead Palestinians rose to more than 680 dead from Israeli counterattacks, the Gaza Health Ministry said.
The Israeli army said yesterday, Monday, that it has largely gained control of the southern part, but fighting continues fiercely. Over 300,000 reservists on standby for the ground operation Israel is preparing.
Hamas is escalating the tension
Meanwhile, Hamas raised its voice on Monday after vowing to start killing hostages if Israeli forces continue to target civilians without warning.
“We will begin executing an Israeli prisoner for every new Israeli shelling of civilian homes, without warning,” Hamas spokesman Abu Obaidah threatened, as reported by Reuters.
Israeli authorities believe that up to 150 hostages are being held in Gaza, Israel’s UN ambassador said Monday. Hamas said on Sunday that more than 100 hostages were being held in Gaza, including high-ranking Israeli army officers. Videos on social media show what appear to be militants abducting many civilians, including children. A White House official said the US believes Americans may be among the hostages.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, tens of thousands fled their homes as continued airstrikes leveled buildings in the city. Israeli tanks and drones were deployed to guard the Gaza border fence to prevent further incursions. Thousands of Israelis were evacuated from more than a dozen towns near Gaza, and the army called up 300,000 reservists – a massive mobilization on short notice.
Also, more than 137,000 people are hiding in UN emergency shelters in Gaza.
Help from the USA
The US has already begun delivering ammunition and military equipment to Israel, the White House said on Monday, as the Pentagon reviews its stockpiles to bolster its ally in the war with Hamas.
John Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, confirmed Monday night that the first batch of military aid in the wake of the violent attack by Hamas militants is heading to Israel.
Source :Skai
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