Israel escalates bombardment of Palestine as essential supplies to Gaza cut off

Fire and smoke rises above a building during an Israeli air strike in Gaza City on early October 8, 2023. (Photo by MAHMUD HAMS / AFP)

Israeli forces escalated their bombardment of Gaza following a military operation by Hamas on Saturday, which led to the demolition of a 14-story tower in central Gaza City that housed apartments and Hamas offices.

Aljazeera reported that in an effort to tighten the grip on Gaza, Israel's Security Council made the decision to halt the supply of electricity, fuel, and essential goods into the region. Additionally, they approved measures aimed at incapacitating the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas.

In a significant development, Israeli security forces took control of a police station in the southern city of Sderot. After an hours-long standoff, local media reported that at least 10 Palestinian fighters were killed. The Israeli police stated that they had achieved "full control" and neutralized about 10 armed militants in the station, according to the Times of Israel. There were reports that Israeli forces had used bulldozers to demolish part of the police station to gain access to the facility.

Amid the ongoing violence, an Israeli citizen and his family faced a harrowing siege by Hamas fighters that lasted more than 12 hours at their Kibbutz home. They were eventually rescued, bringing relief to the editor-in-chief of Haaretz, Esther Solomon, who confirmed the rescue of her colleague, Amir Tibon. She expressed her relief while acknowledging the dire situation faced by many in Gaza border communities, where residents have been killed, gone missing, or taken hostage.

Also read: "A sea of bodies" as Israel-Palestine conflict escalates

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called for emergency closed consultations to address the escalating violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Malta initiated the meeting, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Brazil later expressing their support. The 15 current UNSC members will gather at the UN headquarters in New York to discuss the crisis. While it is not yet officially confirmed, it is expected that the council will be briefed by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement, declared that his country was embarking on a "long and difficult war" against Hamas. He cited a "murderous attack" by Hamas as the reason for the conflict and vowed to continue the offensive until the goals were achieved. Netanyahu pledged to restore security to the citizens of Israel and secure victory.

Meanwhile, the 2.3 million Palestinians residing in the besieged Gaza Strip endured a night of terror and darkness as Israel intensified air attacks and cut off power to the coastal enclave. Residential buildings were flattened, including a 14-story tower and a five-story building in Gaza City, adding to the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region.