GAZA: Hamas Commander Mahmoud al-Zahar has stated that their primary target is Israel, with an ultimate goal of expanding their influence globally. Al-Zahar conveyed this message in a video statement explaining, “Israel is our initial focus, but we aim to establish a worldwide system that stands against injustice, violence, oppression and murder. All forms of violence against Palestinians and Arabs will cease.”

Shortly after the video emerged, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to eradicate Hamas. He referred to Hamas members as “hostile combatants” and condemned their actions. Netanyahu likened Hamas to ISIS, citing their brutal actions and declared that Hamas would meet the same fate as ISIS.

Simultaneously, Israel has escalated its offensive against Hamas. In addition to ongoing airstrikes, Israeli forces are prepared for a potential ground conflict. Israeli military officials announced the possibility of a ground operation at any moment. Israel has opened ports in response to attacks from neighbouring countries like Lebanon and Syria. Furthermore, Israel has formed a unity cabinet including opposition representatives.

Hamas fired rockets into the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon hitting a childcare center and causing injuries to many children. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released images of the incident. Israel confirmed the loss of 169 soldiers.

Gaza, besieged by Israeli attacks, is suffering immensely. The city is teetering on the edge of darkness as its sole power plant faces a fuel shortage. Israel has targeted 450 Hamas facilities, with 200 in al-Furqan, a Hamas stronghold. These strikes have resulted in numerous casualties with people in refugee camps facing severe deprivation. Gaza City’s Rimal district, once prosperous has been severely damaged resulting in the destruction of apartments, businesses, churches, universities, telecommunications centers and foreign media outlets. Israeli airstrikes also disabled Hamas’ advanced systems for detecting Israeli military aircraft. The UN’s Gaza headquarters was destroyed, leading to the tragic loss of nine UN employees.

Reports suggest that Abd al-Fattah Dukhan, one of Hamas’ founders and a senior member was killed in an Israeli airstrike. He was reportedly hiding in the Palestinian refugee camp of Nuseirat. The home of Mohammed Deif’s father, the supreme commander of Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, was demolished, resulting in the deaths of his father, brother and two relatives. Information about Mohammed Deif’s status is currently unavailable. Family members of Hamas legal expert Saeed al-Dashan were also tragically killed.