TDT | Sderot
Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Bahrain yesterday expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence between Palestinian groups and Israeli forces, as the death toll in the Gaza Strip alone reached 232, according to the latest reports.
In Israel, it was reported that at least 200 people were killed and their bodies were seen lying on the streets of the town of Sderot, near Gaza.
The attack left thousands more injured on both sides.
Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that it was “closely monitoring developments” and stressed the need for de-escalation between all parties to save lives.
The ministry warned that continued violence will undermine efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Bahrain also called on the international community to play its part in ending armed conflicts and protecting civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law.
The statement further emphasized the importance of supporting the peace process and establishing a Palestinian state in accordance with the two-state solution and other international legitimacy resolutions.
Hamas launched a major surprise attack against Israel yesterday, firing thousands of rockets from Gaza and forcing its fighters to kill or abduct people as Israel retaliated with devastating airstrikes. was dispatched.
Later that day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that “we are at war” after Israeli forces launched a series of attacks against targets in the coastal enclave.
Meanwhile, Hamas released images of several captured Israelis, with Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari confirming that “there are soldiers and civilians who have been kidnapped.”
The attack began at around 6:30 a.m. (0330 GMT), with thousands of rockets fired toward Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, some of which bypassed the Iron Dome defense system and hit buildings.
Hamas fighters, moving in cars, boats and even motorized paragliders, breached Gaza’s security walls and attacked nearby Israeli towns and military camps, opening fire on residents and passersby.
Bodies were seen lying on the street in the town of Sderot, near Gaza. Israeli army Major General Ghassan Arian warned that Hamas had “opened the gates of hell”. The military said it carried out live-fire combat in several locations near the Gaza Strip in an operation dubbed “Iron Sword.”
Hamas called the attack “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” and called on “West Bank resistance fighters” and “Arab and Islamic countries” to join the fight.
“We have decided to end all crimes of the occupation (Israel),” said the armed Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, which claimed to have fired more than 5,000 rockets.
The Israeli military said it had warned residents to evacuate before targeting two high-rise buildings used by Hamas.
Military spokesman Richard Hecht said Israel counted at least 2,200 rockets aimed at its territory.
The conflict caused major disruption at Tel Aviv Airport, with airlines including American Airlines, Emirates and Ryanair canceling flights.
the region responds
Meanwhile, regional leaders have called for restraint following yesterday’s deadly attack, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi warning of “the risk of the situation deteriorating into further violence”.
In a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, he called for international cooperation to prevent the conflict from escalating.
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met with the foreign ministers of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Russia, Germany, France and Spain, as well as European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. A Foreign Ministry statement said Shukri was trying to rally “international actors” for “immediate intervention”.
Immediate ceasefire:
UAE The United Arab Emirates called for an “immediate ceasefire” and “the exercise of utmost restraint,” state news agency WAM reported.
“The Kingdom of Morocco expresses deep concern at the deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip and the outbreak of military operations, and condemns the attacks on civilians wherever they are located,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Arab League President Ahmed Aboul Gheit called for an “immediate halt to military operations in Gaza” and “a cycle of armed conflict on both sides.”
“Saudi Arabia calls for an immediate end to the escalation between the two countries, the protection of civilians, and restraint,” a statement from the Saudi foreign ministry said.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned of the “instability” of the situation, “particularly in light of the witnessing of Israeli attacks and violations against Palestinians in West Bank cities and areas.”
playing cards
Former President Donald Trump yesterday accused Biden, without evidence, of indirectly funding the attack.
“These Hamas attacks are shameful, and Israel has every right to defend itself with overwhelming force,” Trump said in a statement.
Terrorism can never be justified. We stand in solidarity with the Israeli government and people and express our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
The Palestinian people have the right to protect themselves from “the terror of settlers and occupying forces.”
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
The UK unequivocally condemns the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians. The UK will always support Israel’s right to defend itself.
British Foreign Secretary James speaks wisely
I was shocked by the news of the terrorist attack in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult time.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India.
Horrifying news from #Israel today. We are deeply shocked by the rocket fire and escalating violence from Gaza. Germany condemns these attacks by Hamas and supports Israel.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
This is a dangerous cliff. I appeal to you all to back away from the brink.
UN special envoy for peace in the Middle East stationed in Wenesland