Following a surprise attack by Hamas on Israeli territory over the weekend, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered a comprehensive blockade of Gaza. This measure included cutting off the supply of electricity, food, water, and fuel to the Palestinian enclave. Gallant justified these actions by stating, “We are fighting barbarians and will respond accordingly.”
Israel had been conducting airstrikes on what it deemed “strategic” Hamas targets in Gaza since the initial Hamas attack.
Shortly thereafter, a spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing warned that they would execute civilian hostages and broadcast it if Israel continued to target Gaza without prior warning. Abu Obaida, speaking for the Al-Qassam Brigades, made this declaration via their Telegram channel.
Hamas had launched an unprecedented surprise assault, involving thousands of rockets and armed fighters entering Israel early on Saturday. This attack resulted in significant casualties on the Israeli side, with at least 900 reported deaths and thousands injured.
In response, Israel officially declared war on Hamas on Sunday. Israeli jets continued to conduct airstrikes on Gaza on Monday, with the violence entering its third day. These airstrikes had caused significant loss of life, with at least 687 people killed, including numerous children and women, and left thousands injured, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.