The Israeli military have launched a series of massive airstrikes on targets within downtown Gaza City, in what the Israeli Prime Minister has declared is only the beginning of their effort to end the ongoing cycle of violence between Israel and Hamas.
The airstrikes, which began late Saturday night local time, represent the most direct military action to date between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, which is the governing body of the Gaza Strip. It is also the worst violence that the region has endured since a cease-fire between the two sides was brokered in 2014.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared at a press conference that the airstrikes were a first step in a larger effort to stop the recent wave of rocket fire from militants within Gaza. This wave of attacks has included over a hundred rockets being fired toward Israeli population centers, as well as the firing of two long-range rockets into Jerusalem itself.
Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz stated that the missile strikes would “intensify in the coming days” and that the hammer of the Israeli military would be brought down on militants firing rockets into the region.
In response to the airstrikes, Hamas has declared that it is fully prepared to retaliate with rocket fire if Israel does not end its campaign. It also accused Israel of using disproportionate force and has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of wanting to turn the region into a war zone.
For its part, the United States has urged both Israel and Hamas to exercise restraint and urged both sides to avoid escalating tensions any further. However, with both sides trading volleys of rocket fire, it is unclear what actions can be taken to de-escalate the situation.
At this time, it is uncertain how long these airstrikes and rocket fire will continue before some sort of resolution can be reached. As such, it is important that both Israel and Hamas take steps to avoid further bloodshed and find a way forward in order to ensure peace in the region.