The brutal and escalating conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas continued this week, with Israel expanding its offensive against Hamas-controlled Gaza in a dramatic escalation of violence.
The conflict began on May 10th, when Hamas launched a barrage of rocket attacks toward Israeli cities, in retaliation for an aggressive Israeli police crackdown against worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Israel responded with a full-scale air strikes campaign against militant targets in Gaza.
The number of civilian casualties has already been devastating, with over 130 Palestinians reported dead in Gaza and 9 Israelis killed in the rocket attacks. The conflict has also led to mass displacement in Gaza, with one UN official reporting that at least 12,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in fear of further Israeli air strikes.
The Israeli government is now stepping up its offensive against Hamas, introducing a new wave of air strikes over the weekend. Israeli officials have also announced plans to target Hamas tunnels, which they say are being used to smuggle weapons and fighters.
Israel’s intensified bombing campaign has raised fears of a possible ground invasion of Gaza. Such an invasion would almost certainly lead to even higher civilian casualties, given the population density in Gaza.
The current conflict has laid bare the brutality of Hamas’ attacks on Israeli civilians, as well as the devastating effects of Israel’s fierce response. The international community must step in to pressure both sides to cease their aggression and negotiate a cease fire to avert further devastation.
A lasting peace between Israel and Palestine must be based on mutual respect and a commitment to protection of civilian lives on both sides. Otherwise, these cycles of violence will continue to bring more suffering and destruction to the region.