Israel imposes total siege on Gaza

Israel imposed a total siege on the Gaza Strip and cut off water supply following a surprise offensive by Hamas. The conflict has escalated, causing civilian casualties and displacement.

Escalation of Conflict

• Hamas launched a surprise offensive, leading to Israeli airstrikes on Gaza.
• Dozens of Palestinians killed and wounded, with over 570 casualties reported.

Humanitarian Crisis

• More than 123,000 people displaced in Gaza due to the conflict.
• Urgent need for humanitarian corridors to provide food and shelter for affected Palestinians.

Israeli Response

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a strong response, threatening to turn Hamas sites to rubble.
• Israel imposed a complete siege on Gaza, impacting 2.3 million people: no electricity, food, water, or gas.

International Aid Suspensions

• The European Union suspended aid payments to Palestinians, placing €691 million under review, citing the unprecedented assault by Hamas.
• Austria suspended its aid, totaling around €19 million, in response to the conflict.

US Support and Military Deployment

• US President Joe Biden expressed full support for Israel and warned hostile parties against exploiting the situation.
• The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group was deployed to the eastern Mediterranean in support of Israel.

Regional Escalation

• Tensions rose as Iran and Hezbollah praised Hamas’s attack, though Iran denied direct involvement.
• Hamas threatened the conflict could spread to the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Urgent Calls for Peace

• UN appealed for humanitarian corridors to provide aid in Gaza.
• Global calls for restraint and peaceful resolution amid escalating violence.

Background

• Gaza has been under Israeli blockade for 16 years, leading to dire living conditions for Palestinians.
• The conflict exacerbates longstanding tensions and threatens regional stability.

Geographical Location

• Israel is in the Middle East, along the Mediterranean’s eastern shore.
• Borders Lebanon (north), Syria (northeast), Jordan (east), and Egypt (southwest).

Capital and Largest City

• Capital: Jerusalem (historical and religious significance).
• Largest City: Tel Aviv (economic and cultural hub).

Official Language

• Hebrew (official), Arabic (recognized).

Government

• Parliamentary democracy with a multi-party system.
• President (head of state), Prime Minister (head of government).

Religious Significance

• Holy for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
• Jerusalem hosts Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Al-Aqsa Mosque.

History

• Established in 1948 after British rule and UN partition plan.
• Complex history with conflicts and Palestinian territories.

Economy

• Highly developed with a focus on technology and innovation.
• Strong in fields like cybersecurity and medical research.

Military

• Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with compulsory military service.
• High security focus due to regional tensions.

Society and Culture

• Diverse society with various ethnic and religious backgrounds.
• Rich cultural heritage, influenced by Jewish, Arab, and Mediterranean traditions.

Challenges and Conflicts

• Ongoing challenges include the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, border disputes, and security concerns.
• Jerusalem status and West Bank settlements are contentious issues.

International Relations

• Has diplomatic relations with many countries, including the United States.
• Strained relations with some Middle Eastern neighbors.