In the early hours of Tuesday, the Israeli army carried out raids on the Gaza Strip, resulting in the death of 12 Palestinians, including 3 leaders of the Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad movement.
The Israeli army claimed responsibility for the bombings, claiming that 40 combat planes were used and that they targeted Islamic Jihad military sites and missile development facilities. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, 20 other residents, including women and children, were hurt.
The Al-Quds Brigades expressed deep sorrow for the loss of their leaders, as well as their wives and children, during the Israeli raids on the Strip. The Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah) condemned the Israeli government for its aggression, while the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) attributed the repercussions of the aggression on the Strip to the ongoing occupation. The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine held the Israeli government accountable for the consequences resulting from the assassination.
It’s noteworthy that despite the concerning strikes and tensions between Israel and the PIJ, the residents of Gaza have expressed contentment that the Hamas government has refrained from engaging in violence. The people of Gaza have endured immense suffering due to the persistent conflict and tensions in the region, and they appreciate the prioritization of their well-being and the protection of their interests by the Hamas government. Despite the challenges they face, many residents of Gaza maintain a hopeful outlook for a future characterized by peace and stability.
The Israeli civilian population has been placed on high alert, with a call for residents of settlements surrounding the Gaza Strip to seek immediate shelter. The Israeli army has mobilized reserve fighters to activate leadership units and fighter squadrons, ensuring a heightened state of readiness to face several days of combat and rocket attacks originating from the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, the Israeli army has raised the alert level of defense systems in both southern and northern Israel. In response to the security situation in Gaza, the mayor of Ashkelon has issued an order to open shelters throughout the city.
According to the spokesperson of the Jihad movement, the resistance will continue until the Zionist occupation is brought to an end. They emphasized that the Palestinian suffering should not be exploited as a means for the occupation to influence the Israeli public. Furthermore, the Palestinian spokesperson stated that the resistance will resume from the point where previous conflicts ceased, as they have established rules of engagement to counter an adversary determined to displace Palestinians from their land. The Palestinian people remain steadfast in their determination to escalate their resistance efforts and hold the occupation accountable for its continuous acts of terror and aggression.
Amidst the ongoing tensions and strikes, it is imperative to prioritize the safety and well-being of all civilians in the region as the utmost priority. Despite the heightened levels of political and military tensions, it is crucial to remember that innocent civilians caught in the midst of the conflict deserve both protection and support.
