On Monday, Israel made the announcement that it intends to implement a "total blockade" on Gaza, a measure that includes prohibiting the entry of food and fuel into the region. This move comes in the wake of escalating tensions and clashes with Hamas terrorists. The situation in Gaza has been further compounded by a complete electricity blackout, initiated by Israel following the attacks by Hamas over the weekend.
Israel's decision entails a comprehensive siege on the Gaza Strip, with a stern declaration that no supplies—be it electricity, food, or fuel—will be allowed into the region. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant conveyed this strategy, emphasizing, "I have ordered a complete siege on the Gaza Strip. There will be no electricity, no food, and no fuel, everything is closed. We are fighting human animals and we act accordingly."
It is noteworthy that both Israel and Egypt have enforced various forms of blockade on Gaza since Hamas took control from rival Palestinian factions back in 2007.
This blockade declaration follows a three-day conflict between Israel and Hamas terrorists, which resulted in casualties on both sides, with over 1,100 lives lost, including more than 700 in Israel, including 44 soldiers.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proclaimed a state of war against the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, pledging to obliterate their hideouts. In contrast, Gaza, subjected to relentless Israeli airstrikes, reported a significant number of casualties, with at least 493 deaths.
On Monday, Israel's military asserted that it had regained control of all communities around Gaza, a development that occurred more than 48 hours after a surprise assault by Hamas. The IDF spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, confirmed, "There is no fighting going on between Israel Defense Forces troops and Hamas inside Israel, and the IDF has re-taken control of all communities around the Gaza Strip."
Meanwhile, the United States, in response to these escalating hostilities, initiated further support for Israel. President Joe Biden ordered additional assistance in light of the unprecedented terrorist aggression by Hamas. This assistance includes the deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier and a group of warships to the eastern Mediterranean, along with the augmentation of fighter aircraft squadrons in the region, as directed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
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