Israel's Ongoing Airstrikes in Gaza: Latest Updates

Since October 9th, 2020, Israel has been engaged in a conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In response to a surprise attack by Hamas that left nearly 1,600 dead on both sides, Israel has increased airstrikes on Gaza and sealed it off from food, fuel, and other supplies. Hamas has also escalated the conflict, pledging to kill captured Israelis if attacks target civilians without warnings.

The Israeli military has largely gained control in the south after the attack, and has deployed tanks and drones to guard breaches in the Gaza border fence. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that “what we will do to our enemies in the coming days will reverberate with them for generations.” In response, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported that Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have razed 790 housing units and severely damaged 5,330, while damage to three water and sanitation sites have cut off services to 400,000.

The conflict has also spread to Israel's northern border, with Palestinian militants from the Islamic Jihad group slipping from Lebanon. As the conflict continues, the death toll continues to rise and the destruction of both sides continues to mount. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has ordered a “complete siege” on Gaza, saying authorities would cut electricity and block the entry of food and fuel. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen has warned Hamas against harming any of the hostages, saying, “This war crime will not be forgiven.”