Israel-Hamas Clashes Escalate, Over 30 Dead... US and UN Attempt Mediation

Hamas Rocket Attacks Kill 3 in Israel
Israeli Airstrikes Resume, Killing Over 30 Palestinians
US Delays UN Security Council Statement, Warns Situation Worsening

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The clashes between Israel and Hamas, the armed faction within the Gaza Strip in Palestine, have escalated, with both sides bombing urban areas, resulting in over 30 deaths and increasing casualties. Despite mediation efforts by the United States, the United Nations, and the international community, both sides have strongly expressed their determination to continue fighting, raising concerns that the conflict may persist for some time.

According to foreign media such as CNN on the 11th (local time), Hamas launched a massive rocket attack targeting Tel Aviv. Since the previous day, more than 800 rockets have reportedly been fired, mainly targeting southern Israel. Most of the rockets were intercepted by Israel's air defense system, but some struck civilian residential areas and schools in southern cities such as Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Bnei Brak. As a result, three people have died in Israel, and damage to buildings in various areas has been reported. Additionally, a fuel pipeline belonging to a state-owned oil company connecting Ashkelon and Eilat in southern Israel was blown up.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement after reports emerged that areas near Tel Aviv were attacked and Israeli citizens were killed, saying, "Hamas will pay a heavy price. That retaliation will take time," expressing his intent for retaliation. The Israeli military immediately deployed fighter jets to continue retaliatory airstrikes on hundreds of Hamas military facilities and command buildings within the Gaza Strip.

During the bombing, a 13-story residential building in the Gaza Strip collapsed, killing 28 people, including 10 children, and injuring 152. Hamas also released a statement declaring, "We will continue resistance against the occupying forces regardless of any sacrifices," showing strong determination to fight. In response to international criticism over the bombing of the residential building, the Israeli military stated that 15 of the deceased were Hamas military command officials.

The Israeli government, preparing for further attacks by Hamas, has deployed additional Iron Dome interceptor missiles and two airborne brigades to southern Israel, issued a mobilization order for 5,000 reservists, and reportedly declared school closures nationwide.

The international community is urging both sides to exercise restraint and cease hostilities, engaging in mediation efforts. Peter Stano, spokesperson for the European Union (EU) Commission, the EU's executive branch, stated in a press release, "We call for de-escalation in Jerusalem and restraint from both Israel and Palestine." According to foreign media such as the Associated Press, Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations are attempting mediation.

The United States is reportedly conducting behind-the-scenes contacts with Israel and Hamas. According to major foreign media, when the UN Security Council attempted to express concern publicly about the Israel-Palestine clashes, the US delayed the statement. The US is believed to think that if the UN Security Council publicly declares the area a conflict zone, the fighting could escalate further, and thus delaying the public statement is seen as a way to prevent worsening the situation.