Israel PM pledges ‘victory’ over Hamas as Gaza war hits 100-day milestone
On the 100th day of the conflict sparked by a Hamas attack, Israel intensified airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in a surge of civilian casualties and widespread devastation in the Palestinian territory. The United Nations and aid groups emphasize a dire humanitarian crisis affecting Gaza’s 2.4 million people, as much of the region lies in ruins.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing international pressure over civilian casualties, declared an unwavering commitment to annihilating Hamas, stating, “No one will stop us.” The Hamas government’s media office reported over 100 fatalities in the recent attacks, further escalating tensions in the conflict.
Concerns of regional escalation heightened with new strikes targeting Iran-backed Huthis in Yemen, responding to their threats against Israeli-linked Red Sea shipping. Meanwhile, clashes occurred on the Israel-Lebanon border with Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, leading to the killing of four gunmen who crossed the frontier.
The conflict began with an unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,140 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians. Israel responded with a relentless military campaign, causing at least 23,843 casualties in Gaza, primarily women and children. Despite international scrutiny, Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s commitment to continue until victory, dismissing external pressures.
As the conflict persists, the Israeli military announced strikes on rocket launching pits and targets across Gaza, exacerbating an already dire situation. In Israel, there are mounting calls to rescue hostages held in Gaza for 100 days, prompting rallies and demands for government action. The ongoing war has left an indelible impact on Gaza’s population, with the UN warning of a rapidly approaching famine, diseases spreading, and a generation of traumatized children.
