IRON SWORDS
On October 7, 2023, in the face of an unprecedented offensive by Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war, marking a pivotal shift in Israel's strategic response towards militant actions emanating from the Gaza Strip. This led to the initiation of "Operation Iron Swords" by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), a campaign aimed at neutralizing the threat posed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The operation saw a swift mobilization of IDF assets, launching aerial strikes targeting various militant strongholds across Gaza, a move PM Netanyahu affirmed as necessary given that Hamas had "crossed a red line”. Netanyahu also stated "We are at war, not an operation. Hamas has launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. I ordered first of all to cleanse the settlements of the terrorists who had infiltrated and ordered a large-scale mobilisation of reserves. The enemy will pay a price they have never known," he said in a video statement on Saturday.
Before the recent escalation, a significant operation occurred in 2014 named Operation Protective Edge. This 50-day military campaign aimed at halting rocket fire from Gaza into Israel and destroying Hamas's tunnel network. The operation saw extensive aerial, ground, and naval engagements, setting a historical context to the current military engagements under Operation Iron Swords.
Under the guidance of PM Netanyahu, Israel's security cabinet approved decisive military actions aimed at debilitating the military and governmental capacities of both Hamas and Islamic Jihad within Gaza. The overarching goal of Operation Iron Swords is to significantly diminish the militant groups' ability and intent to threaten or cause harm to Israeli citizens in the foreseeable future, encompassing a broad spectrum of military actions including air strikes, ground incursions, and naval blockades.
Operation Iron Swords saw IDF’s combat operations span across 22 locations within Gaza, focusing on dismantling the military infrastructure of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Aerial assets, including fighter jets, targeted 17 military facilities and four operational headquarters of Hamas. Ground assets were also extensively engaged, with a special emphasis on eliminating terrorists along the border and those attempting to infiltrate back into the Gaza Strip.
The intensification of military operations led to significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction within the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, communities in southern Israel endured rocket barrages from Gaza, with several direct hits on buildings causing fires and electricity outages. The IDF urged residents to stay in protected areas and follow the instructions of the Home Front Command, aiming to minimize civilian casualties amidst the ongoing operations. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that Israeli bombings in the Gaza Strip have killed around 230 people, with additional deaths in the West Bank. Operation Iron Swords has resulted in at least 1,700 injuries.
The international community has closely monitored the unfolding situation, with various stakeholders calling for de-escalation. Nonetheless, the Israeli government remains steadfast in its resolve to protect its citizens and neutralize the threat posed by the militant groups operating from Gaza.
As Operation Iron Swords continues, the Israeli government underscores its commitment to restoring peace and security for its citizens. However, the protracted nature of the conflict and the deep-rooted animosity between the involved parties indicate that achieving a lasting resolution may require a concerted diplomatic effort beyond the current military engagements.