Tel Aviv: In the midst of the ongoing conflict with Hamas, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have released crucial satellite images showcasing the impact of Hamas's attacks on October 7. The IDF highlighted the extent of Hamas' willingness to commit war crimes, making it visible even from space. Israel Defence Forces took to X to post satellite images portraying the alterations in Israel's landscape before and after the Hamas attacks on October 7. The stark contrast in these images underscores the impact of the assault.
The lengths Hamas is willing to go in order to commit war crimes are visible even from outer space. pic.twitter.com/7c3oLeUeVQ
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 16, 2023
Hamas' Arsenal Revealed
Alongside the satellite images, the IDF displayed confiscated weapons used by Hamas to target Israelis. The IDF emphasized their commitment to neutralize Hamas' terrorist infrastructure and weapon manufacturers in Gaza.
In a video shared on X, an Israeli soldier provided insights into the weapons confiscated, revealing the extensive armaments brought by Hamas. He stressed the homemade nature of these items, shedding light on the group's preparedness for prolonged engagements.
These confiscated weapons are only 20% of the ones used by Hamas to kill Israelis.
In order to prevent further attacks, the IDF will see to the removal of Hamas’ terrorist infrastructure and weapon manufacturers in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/T0MLLgYrAw
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 16, 2023
Hamas' False Flag Operation
Addressing recent events, IDF spokesperson Jonathan Conricus debunked an incident where Hamas seemed to stage a tragic event for propaganda purposes. Conricus emphasized Hamas' potential gains from such actions.
Escalation And Retaliatory Measures
The conflict escalated with anti-tank guided missiles fired towards Israeli territory from Lebanon. This provoked a response from the IDF, targeting Hezbollah's "military infrastructure" in Lebanon.
International Warnings & Deterrence
The United States and its allies cautioned Hezbollah against escalating the conflict further. A carrier strike group deployment to the eastern Mediterranean sends a strong message, urging all parties to exercise restraint. Hezbollah is a highly trained, well-armed and sophisticated military force that also receives Iranian support, so its entry into the conflict would mark a significant escalation.
UN Secretary-General's Humanitarian Appeal
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a heartfelt appeal for immediate actions to alleviate the suffering in the Middle East, calling for the release of hostages and unimpeded humanitarian aid access in Gaza. "As we are on the verge of the abyss in the Middle East, I have two humanitarian appeals: To Hamas, the hostages must be immediately released without conditions," he posted.
"To Israel, rapid & unimpeded access for humanitarian aid must be granted for the sake of the civilians in Gaza," he added. "Each one of these two objectives is valid in themselves. They should not become bargaining chips and they must be implemented because it is the right thing to do," Guterres said in a statement, adding that "Gaza is running out of water, electricity and other essential supplies," The Times of Israel reported.
'Will Crush Hamas'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel's determination to defeat Hamas and expressed gratitude for the resilience and unity displayed by the nation. Netanyahu highlighted the nation's unity and its support for front-line warriors, portraying a strong and determined stance against the violent attacks by Hamas. PM Netanyahu yesterday convened Israel's expanded emergency cabinet, which includes former opposition lawmakers. "Hamas thought we would be demolished. It is we who will demolish Hamas," he said.
Toll On Lives
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has taken a heavy toll, with a significant number of casualties and injuries reported fro both sides, necessitating urgent humanitarian aid and peace efforts. The Israeli military has amassed armoured vehicles on the outskirts of Gaza in preparation for a ground-based assault. Israel says it is striking back at Hamas and targetting its operatives and operational centres in retaliation to the October 6 attacks that saw over 1,400 Israelis dead and hundreds kidnapped.
Over one million people in the northern Gaza Strip have been driven from their homes since Israel began its bombing campaign against the Palestinian group Hamas, the United Nations has said.
