Escalating Tensions: Israel Conducts Airstrikes on Gaza
Flames and smoke rise during Israeli air strikes amid a flare-up of Israel-Palestinian violence, in the southern Gaza Strip May 11, 2021. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY REFILE - QUALITY REPEAT
Israel has launched a series of intense airstrikes on Gaza, targeting what it claims are militant facilities used by Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The strikes, which hit multiple locations across the enclave, resulted in the deaths of two international humanitarian workers and injured dozens of civilians. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the operation was a response to rocket attacks launched from Gaza, targeting southern Israeli cities near the border.
The IDF claimed that the strikes targeted weapons manufacturing sites and storage facilities used by militant groups. However, international humanitarian organizations and human rights advocates have condemned the strikes, citing concerns over civilian casualties and the targeting of aid workers
Palestinian officials have accused Israel of deliberately targeting civilians and humanitarian personnel. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh condemned the attacks as “another demonstration of Israel’s continuous aggression” against the Palestinian people. The United Nations and the European Union have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, warning that the situation could escalate into a broader conflict if not addressed promptly.
