Israel steps up Gaza offensive as new Hamas massacres come to light
"It's not a war, it's not a battlefield, it's a massacre". This is how Israeli General Itai Veruv described to journalists the scenario that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have found in Kfar Aza after regaining full control of the area. This kibbutz, a few kilometres from the Gaza border, is a reflection of the massacres committed by Hamas against Israeli civilians in its unprecedented attack last Saturday.
The horrors in Kfar Aza are reminiscent of past progromes against the Jewish population in parts of Europe and the Middle East. Houses burned and looted, whole families murdered, bodies burned, babies murdered - some of them even beheaded. "This is something I have never seen in my life," Veruv told foreign journalists who witnessed the tragedy in Kfar Aza with their own eyes.
Other places near the border, such as Kibbutz Be'eri, also witnessed terrorist carnage during the first few days of the attack. In this community, for example, more than 100 bodies have been found in the last few hours. Many of its residents were also abducted and taken to Gaza.
The death toll from the brutal Hamas incursion continues to rise, now exceeding 1,200 killed. Sirens continue to sound in several parts of the country, particularly in the south, where towns such as Ashkelon and Ashdod have been hit by rockets from Gaza. According to the Israeli army, Gaza militias have launched more than 5,000 rockets into the country since Saturday.
Meanwhile, abroad, anti-Semitic attacks have seen a dangerous increase since the weekend.
In France, for example, security has been tightened at some 500 sites across the country, including Jewish schools, synagogues and cultural centres after 50 attacks were reported. "It is important that all French Jews know that they are protected," said French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin.
Also in the UK, police have stepped up security at some schools in London and Manchester because, according to Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, the safety of the UK's Jewish community is an "absolute priority". In this sense, the British authorities have ordered the police to consider it a "criminal offence" to fly the Palestinian flag after the Hamas attack.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations in various capitals and cities around the world have also promoted anti-Semitism in different ways, whether through chanting or images.
"Gaza will never be what it was"
Israel continues its unprecedented offensive against the Gaza Strip, striking Hamas and other militia targets. As a result of these air strikes, more than 1,000 people have been killed in the Palestinian enclave, according to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health.
Some of the targets of Israeli bombardment have been the Rimal neighbourhood, home to several Hamas government ministries and also one of the most prosperous areas of the Strip, as well as the Islamic University of Gaza. According to the IDF, this educational establishment maintained close links with senior Hamas leaders and was used as a training ground for the terrorist group, as well as for weapons development and production.
During an inspection of the frontline on the Gaza border, Israel's defence minister, Yoav Gallant, announced that he had "released all restrictions" on troops in their fight against Hamas. "They will regret this moment: Gaza will never return to what it was," he said.
Attacks from Lebanon and Syria
Since the beginning of the war, groups based in southern Lebanon such as Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have taken advantage of the chaos to launch several attacks on Israeli territory. In addition to the area around Gaza, the northern border is another hotspot in the current conflict.
In recent hours, the IDF has launched several attacks on Lebanon after Hezbollah fired an anti-tank missile at an Israeli border post.
Tension has also increased on the border with Syria after a Palestinian faction fired three missiles into Israel. In response, the Israeli army fired artillery and mortar shells towards "the source of the launch" in Syrian territory.
US reaffirms its support for Israel, confirms several Americans killed in Hamas attack
Along with Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, President Joe Biden has addressed the nation and the world to condemn the Hamas attacks. From the White House, the US leader reiterated his support for Israel, assuring that Washington would provide all necessary assistance.
Biden also condemned Hamas's terrorist actions, saying the threat to execute the hostages was a "violation of every code of human morality". "There are still many families desperately waiting to hear from their loved ones. Not knowing whether they are alive, dead or hostages," he said. In this regard, the president has confirmed the deaths of at least 14 US citizens.
Regarding the rise of anti-Semitism in various parts of the world, Biden said police had stepped up security around Jewish sites across the country "to identify and disrupt any insider threats that might arise in connection with these horrific attacks". "There is no place for hatred in America. Not against Jews, not against Muslims, not against anyone," he added.
In order to reaffirm this support and commitment to Israel, Blinken will travel to the country this week, where he will meet with senior Israeli officials to discuss the situation and the fight against terrorism, according to State spokesman Matthew Miller.