Bahrain calls for de-escalation as deadly war grips Gaza, Israel as hundreds die
TDT | Sderot
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Bahrain yesterday expressed deep concerns over the armed escalations taking place between Palestinian groups and Israeli forces, as according to latest reports the death toll in the Gaza Strip alone rose to 232.
In Israel, at least 200 people were reported killed with bodies were seen lying on the streets of the town of Sderot near Gaza.
The attack also left thousands more wounded on both sides.
In a statement, Bahrain’s Foreign Affairs Ministry stressed the need for de-escalation among all parties to preserve the lives of people and said it is “closely following the developments.”
The ministry warned that the continuation of violence will impede the efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Bahrain also called on the international community to take its role in ending the armed conflict and protecting civilians in line with the international humanitarian law.
The statement further stressed the importance of supporting the peace process and establishing the Palestinian state according to the two-state solution and other international legitimacy resolutions.
Hamas have launched a largescale surprise attack against Israel yesterday, firing thousands of rockets from Gaza and sending fighters to kill or abduct people as Israel retaliated with devastating air strikes.
Later in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement, said “We are at war” as Israeli military launched a series of strikes against targets in the coastal enclave.
Meanwhile, Hamas has released images of several Israelis taken captive, and Israel army spokesman Daniel Hagari confirmed that "there are kidnapped soldiers and civilians.
The attack started at around 6:30 am (0330 GMT) with thousands of rockets aimed as far as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, some bypassing the Iron Dome defence system and hitting buildings.
Hamas fighters -- travelling in vehicles, boats and even using motorised paragliders -- breached Gaza's security barrier and attacked nearby Israeli towns and military posts, opening fire on residents and passersby.
Bodies were seen lying on the streets of the town of Sderot near Gaza. Israeli army Major General Ghasan Alyan warned Hamas had "opened the gates of hell". The army said its forces were engaged in live gun battles in several locations near the Gaza Strip, in an operation labelled "Swords of Iron".
Hamas labelled its attack “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” and called on “resistance fighters in the West Bank” as well as in “Arab and Islamic nations” to join the battle.
“We decided to put an end to all the crimes of the occupation (Israel),” said its armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, claiming to have fired more than 5,000 rockets.
Israel's military said it had warned residents to evacuate before targeting two multistorey buildings used by Hamas.
Army spokesman Richard Hecht said Israel had counted at least 2,200 rockets aimed at its territory.
The conflict sparked major disruption at Tel Aviv airport, with American Airlines, Emirates and Ryanair among carriers with cancelled flights.
Region reacts
Meanwhile, regional leaders urged restraint after yesterday’s deadly attack with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi warning “against the danger of the situation deteriorating and sliding into more violence”.
In a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, he urged international cooperation on stopping the conflict from getting worse.
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry spoke to his Jordanian, UAE, Turkish, Russian, German, French and Spanish counterparts, and to European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. A foreign ministry statement said Shoukry sought to rally “international actors” to “intervene immediately”.
Immediate ceasefire:
UAE The United Arab Emirates called for “an immediate ceasefire” and “exercising the utmost restraint,” state news agency WAM reported.
“The Kingdom of Morocco expresses its deep concern at the deterioration of the situation and the outbreak of military action in the Gaza Strip, and condemns attacks against civilians wherever they may be,” a foreign ministry statement said.
Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit urged “an immediate halt to military operations in Gaza” and “the cycle of armed confrontation between the two sides”.
“The Kingdom calls for an immediate halt to the escalation between the two sides, protection of civilians, and self-control,” a foreign ministry statement from Saudi Arabia said.
Jordan Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned of the “volatility” of the situation, “particularly in light of what cities and areas of the West Bank are witnessing of Israeli attacks and violations against the Palestinian people”.
Trump
Former president Donald Trump weighed in yesterday, blaming Biden, without evidence, for indirectly funding the attacks.
“These Hamas attacks are a disgrace and Israel has every right to defend itself with overwhelming force,” Trump said in a statement.
There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel, and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks.
U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE ANTONY BLINKEN
The Palestinian people have the right to defend themselves against the “terror of settlers and occupation troops.
PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT MAHMOUD ABBAS
The UK unequivocally condemns the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians. The UK will always support Israel’s right to defend itself.
BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTER JAMES CLEVERLY
Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.
NARENDRA MODI, INDIAN PRIME MINISTER.
Terrifying news reaches us today from #Israel. We are deeply shocked by the rocket fire from Gaza and the escalating violence. Germany condemns these attacks by Hamas and stands by Israel.
GERMAN CHANCELLOR OLAF SCHOLZ
This is a dangerous precipice, and I appeal to all to pull back from the brink.
U.N. MIDDLE EAST PEACE ENVOY TOR WENNESLAND
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