Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Creates War-Time Cabinet Following Hamas Attack
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a leading opposition figure on Wednesday created a war-time Cabinet overseeing the fight to avenge a stunning weekend attack by Hamas militants. In the sealed-off Gaza Strip ruled by Hamas, Palestinian suffering mounted as Israeli bombardment demolished neighborhoods and the territory’s only power plant ran out of fuel.
The establishment of a new war-time Cabinet signifies a level of unity following years of divisive politics. It also comes as the Israeli military prepares for a potential ground offensive into Gaza. The Cabinet, which will focus solely on war-related issues, includes Netanyahu, Benny Gantz, a senior opposition figure and former defense minister, and Yoav Gallant, the current Defense Minister.
The government is facing pressure to take action against Hamas after its militants attacked Israeli homes, streets, and an outdoor music festival, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Israelis. Hamas is currently holding an estimated 150 hostages, including soldiers, men, women, children, and older adults.
However, political divisions remain in Israel. Yair Lapid, the country’s chief opposition leader, was invited to join the new Cabinet but has not yet responded. Netanyahu’s existing government partners, a coalition of far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties, will likely remain in place to handle non-war-related issues.
A ground offensive in the densely populated Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million people, is expected to significantly increase casualties in a conflict that has already claimed at least 2,200 lives on both sides. Israel has been carrying out destructive airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in the destruction of entire city blocks. Meanwhile, militants in Gaza continue to launch rockets at Israel, including a heavy barrage at the southern town of Ashkelon.
About 250,000 people have fled their homes in Gaza, seeking refuge in UN schools or safe neighborhoods. However, with limited resources, many are facing dire conditions. The situation worsened after Israel halted the entry of essential supplies, such as food, water, fuel, and medicine. Gaza’s only power plant shut down due to a lack of fuel, leaving hospitals and residential buildings dependent on private generators.
Despite calls for humanitarian corridors, aid convoys have been unable to enter Gaza due to the ongoing conflict. The risk of the war spreading became evident when the Lebanese militant group, Hezbollah, fired anti-tank missiles at an Israeli military position, claiming to have killed and wounded troops.
US President Joe Biden has warned against further involvement in the conflict, although the US has provided military support to Israel. The situation in the West Bank also remains tense, with Israeli settlers attacking a village south of Nablus, resulting in the deaths of three Palestinians.
Toppling Hamas from power in Gaza would likely require prolonged ground fighting and reoccupation. However, Hamas has a history of operating as an underground insurgency in areas controlled by Israel. The group maintains that its attack was in response to Israeli military occupation, increasing settlements in the West Bank, and the 16-year-long blockade in Gaza.
As the conflict escalates, Israel’s approach has shifted. In previous conflicts, the military emphasized the precision of its strikes to minimize civilian casualties. This time, military briefings focus on the destruction being inflicted. Israeli civilians are being urged to evacuate entire neighborhoods prior to airstrikes.
The death toll continues to rise, and both sides have suffered heavy losses. The international community has called for a ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors in order to provide aid to those affected.
Original article: https://apnews.com/article/israel-middle-east-gaza-joe-biden-hamas-897912b2df441d7623ef54215908e03e
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
