Recent clashes between Hamas and Israel have sparked a wave of violence and tensions in the Middle East. On the fourth day of the offensive, new rocket fire from Gaza and southern Lebanon targeted Israel, while Israeli airstrikes continued on Gaza.
These attacks had dramatic consequences, including the death of eight French nationals and the disappearance of twenty people. The Quai d’Orsay confirmed these figures, testifying to the scale of the ongoing violence.
Faced with this escalation of violence, US President Joe Biden described Hamas’ attacks as “pure evil”. His remarks denounce the brutality of the attacks and underline the need for a firm response from the international community.
The situation also sparked reactions at the diplomatic level. The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, accused Israel of violating international law by imposing a total blockade on Gaza. He also expressed support for continued aid to the Palestinian Authority, despite the outcry over the temporary suspension of aid.
In France, two pro-Palestinian demonstrations planned in Paris were banned by the police chief for security reasons. These decisions underline the palpable tensions in the French capital, where demonstrations can quickly degenerate into disturbances of public order.
As part of this crisis, the head of American diplomacy Antony Blinken will visit Jordan in addition to Israel during his trip to the Middle East. This visit demonstrates the importance of regional issues and the need to support the key players in this crisis.
In a strong statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the Hamas attack “a savagery not seen since the Holocaust,” recalling the seriousness of the acts committed by the terrorist group.
In response, Hamas denounced Joe Biden’s remarks as an “attempt to cover up the crimes” committed by Israel. The Palestinian movement described the US president’s attacks as “inflammatory”, fueling tensions and propaganda on both sides.
In this context, the Israeli army announced that it had killed three terrorists during an exchange of fire in Ashkelon, underlining the determination of the Jewish state to combat armed groups that threaten its security.
At the same time, Germany has planned several special flights to repatriate German nationals from Israel, reflecting international concern over the escalation of violence and security risks.
In conclusion, clashes between Hamas and Israel continue to disrupt the region, leading to dramatic consequences for civilian populations and international tensions.. The situation remains volatile and requires constant attention from the international community to find a lasting solution to this conflict.