Israel pounds Hamas ‘terror squads’ in Gaza with relentless airstrikes and precision raids, marking a major escalation in the months-long cross-border conflict. The operation, dubbed Operation Iron Shield, is aimed at dismantling entrenched militant networks accused of orchestrating rocket barrages and tunnel incursions into Israeli territory.
From dawn raids on underground bunkers to high-altitude bombings of weapons caches, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unleashed a barrage of firepower that officials say has neutralized over 120 Hamas operatives in the past 48 hours. The strikes have targeted strategic command centers in northern and central Gaza, including the Gaza City and Khan Younis districts, crippling the group’s command-and-control capabilities.
Witnesses reported massive explosions rocking civilian neighborhoods as fighter jets and gunships pounded suspected terror tunnels and rocket-launch sites. Thick plumes of black smoke billowed across the skyline, prompting thousands of residents to flee toward southern Gaza in search of safety. Health authorities in Gaza report at least 65 fatalities and more than 200 injuries among combatants and civilians alike, though the true toll may be higher given limited access to hospitals and field clinics.
Rising Tensions and Trigger Events
The latest offensive was triggered by a surge in rocket fire from Gaza into southern Israel last week, which Israeli officials blamed on “terror squads” operating under Hamas command. Over 80 rockets were launched toward Israeli border communities, prompting retaliatory strikes on 25 targets—including underground command posts and anti-tank missile positions.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of exploiting densely populated civilian areas to shield its militants, declaring that “Israel will not tolerate terror squads targeting our homes and families.” In a televised address, Netanyahu warned that the campaign would continue until “the threat is eliminated and our citizens can live in peace.”
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum condemned the strikes as a “barbaric assault” and vowed to “respond with force.” He claimed that Israeli attacks deliberately target civilians and medical facilities, charges denied by the IDF, which asserts strict adherence to international law by issuing advance warnings and using precision-guided munitions.
Tactical Advances and Underground Warfare
A notable feature of the operation is the focus on subterranean warfare. IDF engineers and special forces have used advanced ground-penetrating radars, seismic sensors, and robotic drones to map and infiltrate Hamas’s extensive tunnel network, known as the Gaza Metro. Dozens of tunnel shafts—some stretching hundreds of meters beneath schools and mosques—were collapsed using explosive charges and bunker-busting munitions.
Colonel Ori Cohen, commander of the engineering corps, stated: “We have significantly degraded the enemy’s mobility and surprise capabilities. These tunnels were critical to terror squad movements, command links, and weapon smuggling.” He added that more demolition operations are planned across Gaza’s central belt.
Humanitarian Fallout and International Response
Humanitarian agencies warn that the intensification of airstrikes risks a full-scale humanitarian disaster in an already besieged territory. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that over 60,000 Gazans have been displaced in recent days, exacerbating shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and fuel shortages threaten to shut down critical dialysis and neonatal units.
Egypt and Qatar, who brokered the 2023 ceasefire, urged both sides to exercise restraint and revive negotiations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, stating: “The cycle of violence must end. Civilians—especially children—bear the brunt of these assaults.”
The United States reiterated its support for Israel’s right to self-defense while urging proportionality. President Joe Biden’s spokesperson emphasized the need to protect civilian lives and ensure humanitarian corridors remain open. Meanwhile, Turkey and Iran condemned the Israeli campaign, warning of wider regional repercussions if the conflict spirals further.
Regional Security Implications
Analysts warn that continued escalation could draw in regional actors and destabilize neighboring countries. Hezbollah along the Lebanon-Israel border has been on high alert, though it has refrained from direct involvement amid international pressure. There are growing fears that miscalculations could ignite a multi-front war.
Jordan and Egypt border crossings remain operational, but the fear of militant spillover has prompted both governments to bolster security. Israel has tightened travel restrictions in southern communities, and reserve units have been mobilized along the Gaza perimeter.
Regional security expert Dr. Leila Haddad commented: “This phase of urban and subterranean warfare is unprecedented in Gaza. The collateral damage is severe, and the risk of a broader conflagration is real unless diplomatic channels are reactivated.”
Israel’s Domestic Politics and War Fatigue
The operation has significant domestic ramifications for Prime Minister Netanyahu, whose right-wing coalition faces mounting pressure over rising civilian casualties. Protests erupted in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with demonstrators urging a more balanced approach that minimizes civilian harm.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid called for an emergency parliamentary session to debate humanitarian pauses and alternative strategies. “Israel’s moral standing and long-term security depend on winning hearts and minds, not just military victories,” he argued.
However, public opinion in Israel remains largely supportive of the offensive, reflecting deep anxiety over terror threats. A recent poll indicated that over 70% of Israelis back decisive action against Hamas, even at the cost of increased international criticism.
Looking Ahead: Pathways to Ceasefire
Diplomats are racing to revive indirect talks for a ceasefire, leveraging Qatari and Egyptian mediation. Proposed terms include:
- Immediate cessation of rocket attacks by Hamas terror squads.
- Phased withdrawal of Israeli air and ground operations.
- Expanded humanitarian aid under UN supervision.
- Prisoner exchange discussions to release civilian detainees.
- Reopening Gaza crossings for commercial and relief shipments.
Success hinges on mutual concessions and robust monitoring mechanisms. The coming days will test the resilience of diplomatic envoys and the willingness of both sides to prioritize civilian safety over military objectives.
