Israel is fully prepared after Hamas leader’s assassination in Beirut
Israel’s High State of Readiness Amidst Rising Tensions
Israel has neither confirmed nor denied the recent drone strike that allegedly killed Saleh Al Arouri in Lebanon. However, military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari emphasized that Israeli forces are prepared for any scenario. During a televised briefing, Hagari stated, “The IDF is at a very high level of readiness, in all arenas, in defense and offense.” He further emphasized that their focus remains on fighting Hamas.
This assassination marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as it spreads across the region. The war has drawn in various actors, including the occupied West Bank, Hezbollah forces on the Lebanon-Israel border, and even Red Sea shipping lanes.
Saleh Al Arouri, a senior Hamas political leader, was the target of the Israeli offensive. He was accused of orchestrating attacks on Israeli citizens and was also involved in negotiations conducted by Qatar and Egypt regarding the Gaza war and the release of Hamas-held Israeli hostages.
Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, due to make a speech in Beirut, warned Israel against carrying out assassinations on Lebanese soil, promising a severe reaction.
The conflict has escalated between Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, and Israel along Lebanon’s southern border. Casualties have been reported on both sides, with more than 100 Hezbollah fighters and two dozen civilians killed in Lebanon, along with at least nine Israeli soldiers.
The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon expressed concerns about the potential devastating consequences of further escalation on both sides of the border.
In Cairo, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi emphasized the need to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and prevent the conflict from spreading across the region.
Gaza Under Fire
The Israeli military reported ongoing “intensive battles” with militants in Gaza, particularly in the southern city of Khan Younis. Israeli forces bombed Al Nusseirat refugee camp, destroying several buildings. Leaflets were dropped, urging residents to evacuate the area due to heavy IDF operations.
Israeli warplanes and tanks also intensified attacks on the Al Bureij refugee camp. Hamas claimed to have killed ten Israeli soldiers and damaged tanks and troop carriers. The Israeli military reported a death toll of 177 soldiers since their incursion into Gaza.
Throughout Gaza, civilian casualties continue to rise, with over 22,000 Palestinians killed. The humanitarian situation is dire, with residents facing destitution, cramped living conditions, and a lack of food supplies.
‘Veins of Resistance’
The killing of Saleh Al Arouri is expected to ignite further resistance against the Israeli occupation. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani expressed this sentiment, stating that it would increase the motivation to fight against the Zionist occupiers.
Prior to Arouri’s assassination, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh announced that the movement had responded to an Egyptian-Qatari ceasefire proposal. Hamas’s conditions for a ceasefire include a complete cessation of Israel’s offensive and further releases of hostages.
Israel remains committed to eliminating Hamas, but their plans for the enclave and the prospects of an independent Palestinian state remain uncertain.
In Lisbon, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, stressed the need for the international community to impose a solution to the conflict, as the two parties are unlikely to reach an agreement. He warned that if the tragedy continues, the entire Middle East could be engulfed in flames.
(Reporting by Laila Bassam in Beirut, Nidal Al Mughrabi in Cairo, Arafat Barbakh in Gaza, Maayan Lubell, and Dan Williams in Jerusalem; writing by Angus MacSwan; editing by Gareth Jones)
What has been the impact of the conflict on civilian populations in the border areas?
The border areas. The conflict has escalated rapidly, with both sides launching airstrikes and rockets at each other. The Israeli military has targeted Hamas infrastructure and weapons depots, while Hamas has retaliated by launching indiscriminate rockets towards Israeli towns and cities.
Civilian casualties have been reported on both sides, with innocent people caught in the crossfire. Israel has defended its actions, stating that it is targeting militants and their capabilities, while Hamas accuses Israel of deliberately targeting civilians. The situation has led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with hospitals overwhelmed and basic services disrupted.
International Response
The international community has responded to the escalating tensions with concern and calls for de-escalation. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and expressed its willingness to mediate between both parties. The European Union has also urged both sides to exercise restraint and avoid further bloodshed.
The United States, a staunch ally of Israel, has expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself but has also called for a de-escalation of the conflict. The Biden administration has dispatched a senior envoy to the region in an attempt to broker a ceasefire.
In conclusion, Israel’s high state of readiness amidst rising tensions is evident in its recent actions and statements. While the country neither confirms nor denies its involvement in the recent drone strike in Lebanon, it emphasizes its preparedness for any scenario. The conflict between Israel and Hamas threatens to spread across the region, involving various actors and causing casualties on both sides. The international community has called for a ceasefire and expressed concerns about the devastating consequences of further escalation. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold, but it is clear that the region is facing a critical and dangerous moment.
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