Smoke rises following Israeli strikes in Gaza. [Picture: Saleh Salem/Reuters]
The fiercest fighting in five decades continues in Palestine. More than 1 000 people, among them women and children, have been killed on both sides, as Israel continues to unleash its hell on the Gaza enclave.
On Sunday, Israel declared a “state of war” and approved “significant military steps” after Hamas launched a surprise attack. By Monday, at least 400 people in Gaza and 700 in Israel were killed. More than 100 Israelis were taken hostage.
In a video shared by 5Pillars on X, formerly Twitter, Palestinian writer Amed Hammuda described the unfolding events as a turning tide.
“Now we are seeing a turning point where the oppressed, those who have been under subjugation and colonisation illegally for 70 plus years, are beginning to respond in a more strategic, organised way with the backing of their people and millions and millions of Muslims.”
SMread: Normalisation of Israel must end for Palestine to be free
Gaza bombardment
It looks set to be the start of a deadly week in the world’s largest open-air prison, Gaza. The Palestinian city, home to just over two million people, came under unprecedented bombardment by Israeli forces over the weekend.
Youssef Al-Bawab, a resident whose home became uninhabitable after a nearby building was targeted, told Al Jazeera Israel’s claim – that it was aiming for military targets – was nothing but falsehood.
“Israel says it is targeting resistance fighters, military sites and buildings belonging to Hamas, but the truth is otherwise. I believe Israel is deliberately targeting civilians and displacing them to put more pressure on Hamas,” Al-Bawab said. “But what is our fault? Where do we go?”
UNSC
Meanwhile, it was a lengthy weekend behind closed doors for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as it held a special session in the wake of the latest violence.
Addressing reporters ahead of the session, the Palestinian observer at the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, suggested the surprise attack was part of “the consequences of Israeli impunity and international inaction.”
“We know only too well that the messages about Israel’s right to defend itself will be interpreted by Israel as a licence to kill, to pursue on the very path that led us here,” said Mansour.
