In a tragic turn of events, over 900 lives have been lost and more than 2,500 individuals have been injured in Israel due to an unprecedented incursion by the Hamas militant group. This act of aggression saw the launch of thousands of rockets towards Israel, with an estimated 1,000 fighters infiltrating the neighboring Gaza Strip. To compound the devastation, Hamas has taken around 100 civilians and soldiers hostage. The Israeli authorities have responded to this dire situation by declaring a state of alert for war and initiating retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza.
The Gaza Strip, a 140-square-mile territory home to 2 million Palestinians, has endured a blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt since 2007, when Hamas assumed power. The people of Gaza face considerable challenges as there are no air raid sirens or bomb shelters in place to protect them. In a show of unity and cooperation, the Federal Bureau of Investigations is conducting an aggressive investigation to address the impact on Americans affected by the Hamas attacks. Working closely with regional counterparts and international partners, the FBI is committed to locating and identifying any affected Americans, swiftly responding to reports of deceased, injured, or missing individuals.
Lt. Col. Res. Jonathan Conricus, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces International, spoke with ABC’s Matt Gutman in a recent interview, declaring that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will persevere in this war for as long as necessary. Not merely focused on the immediate military actions, their objectives encompass broader aspects such as political implications and governance of the region. The IDF’s current focus is to strip Hamas of all their military capabilities by means of the ongoing aerial strikes and the deployment of additional troops around the Gaza Strip. The IDF recognizes the difficulties up ahead, yet this recent attack by Hamas serves as a defining moment, prompting the IDF to adapt and evolve their response strategies.
It is important to underscore that the actions undertaken by Hamas are unequivocally condemned by the international community. There is no justification or legitimacy for the terrorist actions carried out by Hamas, and they must be universally condemned. In support of Israel’s right to defend itself, leaders from around the world have come together during these challenging times. While recognizing the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, they also advocate for just and fair treatment for both Israelis and Palestinians alike. This steadfast and united support for Israel is coupled with an unwavering condemnation of Hamas and its acts of terrorism.
In response to these distressing events, President Joe Biden will address the nation from the White House on Tuesday, at 1 p.m. ET. Providing solace and reassurance, the President’s remarks will shed light on the terrorist attacks in Israel and reinforce the United States’ unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and safeguarding global peace and security.