WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM/GAZA- In a recent development, Israel's military has confirmed a "large-scale strike" on Hamas targets in Gaza, while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is en route to the region to engage with leaders on both sides of the ongoing conflict.
Israeli jets have been relentlessly targeting Gaza in retaliation for a Hamas incursion over the border fence, which resulted in casualties and hostage-taking. Israel's military reported approximately 1,200 fatalities, over 2,700 injuries, and numerous hostages.
Hamas media has reported 15 Palestinian casualties in the latest Israeli airstrikes, with Gaza city heavily bombarded and an airstrike on the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. The death toll in Gaza has surged to 1,200, with around 5,600 wounded, as per Palestinian media citing Gaza's health ministry.
U.S. President Joe Biden dispatched his top diplomat to the Middle East to reaffirm Washington's support for Israel, secure the release of captives, and avert a broader conflict. Blinken is scheduled to arrive on Thursday and will also visit Jordan, although he won't go to the Israeli-occupied West Bank during this trip.
Biden, addressing a group of Jewish community leaders, emphasized that the U.S. deployment of military assets near Israel is a message to Iran, a supporter of Hamas and Hezbollah. He warned Iran to be cautious and suggested that Iran may have had some prior knowledge of Hamas actions but did not orchestrate the recent attacks.
Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a significant phone call, discussing the need to end "war crimes against Palestine", reported Iranian state news agency IRNA.
Israel, in a show of unity, established a government focused on confronting Hamas. Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Benny Gantz, put aside political differences to address the crisis together.
The situation in Gaza has worsened, with Israel imposing a "total siege," halting food and fuel supplies to the enclave's 2.3 million residents. The power station has also ceased operating, plunging Gaza into darkness.
The conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of Gazans, with a majority seeking refuge in shelters or schools, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Israel has positioned tanks and armored vehicles near Gaza, raising concerns about a possible ground offensive. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, but a blockade has persisted since Hamas took control in 2007, leading to dire conditions.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed a determined stance, stating, "We will wipe this thing called Hamas off the face of the earth."
Former U.S. President Donald Trump pledged unwavering support for Israel if re-elected and criticized Netanyahu's preparedness for the conflict. President Biden, in his fourth conversation with Netanyahu, urged Israel to adhere to the rules of war in its response to Hamas.
The U.S. is actively engaged in discussions with Israel and Egypt regarding safe passage for Gaza's civilians and addressing the shortage of food supplies. The situation in the region remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue.