Israel Declares Total Siege On Gaza, Cutting Palestinians Off Fuel, Electricity, And Food, Amid Unrelenting Air Strikes

In response to Saturday's (7 October) devastating rocket and terrorist attack launched by Hamas on Israeli territory, Israel's defence minister has taken the unprecedented step of ordering a "complete siege" on Gaza.

This decision follows Hamas's surprise attack on Israel's southern cities, marking the deadliest incursion into Israeli territory since the attacks by Egypt and Syria in the Yom Kippur War 50 years ago, resulting in the loss of more than 700 Israeli lives.

As a retaliatory measure, Israel declared a state of 'war' and launched Operation 'Iron Swords', with the intent of dismantling Hamas.

Beginning on Saturday, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducted airstrikes targeting Hamas officials in Gaza, resulting in the death of more than 400 Palestinians.

According to a report by Times of India, Israel's Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, stated that Israel would take strong measures against the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, including imposing a ban on the admission of food, fuel, and electricity to Gaza.

A separate report by the Wall Street Journal suggests that Iran played a role in helping Hamas plan this operation. Iranian security officers were reportedly involved in planning Hamas' attack and gave the green light for the assault during a meeting in Beirut last Monday.

Meanwhile, the United States' USS Gerald R Ford carrier strike group has been deployed to the eastern Mediterranean to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

This group includes the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford (CVN-78), the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh-Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).

General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, Commander of the US Central Command, expressed firm support for Israel and regional partners in addressing the risks posed by any party seeking to expand the conflict.

Israel has also hinted at the possibility of taking physical control of the Gaza Strip.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) emphasised their focus on stabilising control in the Gaza Strip. Lt Col Richard Hecht, the IDF international spokesperson, stated that their immediate objectives include gaining control over the entire territory, and eliminating all terrorists within their territory.

He added that the IDF might consider the eviction of specific communities in Gaza as the situation unfolds.