RAMALLAH, — Palestinians had mixed feelings when Hamas launched a large surprise attack on Israelis on Saturday October 7 killing over six hundred people with several hostages. Some celebrated while others feared.
The Hamas militant formation launched an unprecedented attack on Israelis Saturday leaving trails of mass destruction, dozens of deaths, hostages, and massive wounded. Palestinians living along the boarder of Gaza Strip had varied feelings.
Some of the residents celebrated what they considered as an achievement against their sworn rival, Israel. They took pride in the killings of Israelis terming it as a victory. However, a section of residents were afraid by the thought of a deadly fight-back by Israel.
The Hamas’ unprecedented incursion on Israel has elicited vows of retribution and ringing the bells of war by the Israeli PM Netanyahu. “The Country is at war and there shall be a mighty vengeance for this black day,” said PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
However, the Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, has divergent views on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“Israel has created a climate of hatred, violence, incitement, and violating international law,” said Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh.
“More than 600 people have been killed in Israel, and that the death toll is likely to rise,” said Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer on Sunday.
“Israel destroyed around 800 targets in Gaza, including what he described as launching pads used by Hamas,” said Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari on Sunday.
Elsewhere, “At least 413 Palestinians have been killed, including 78 children,” said the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza.
Several Gazans are sheltering in their compounds, with the vast numbers lacking access to bunkers. They are not new to conflicts with their neighbor Israel. Gaza Strip is some of the highly populated areas globally, with over two million persons occupying a space of a hundred and forty square miles. This poses the greatest humanitarian crisis as the war unfolds.
Hamas has threatened to execute Israeli hostages if Israel continues to shell Gaza Strip without warning. Monday morning, Al-Qassam Brigades issued a statement announcing the killing of 4 Israelis war prisoners held hostage because of the continuing shelling in Gaza.
“From this moment on, we announce that any targeting of innocent civilians without warning will be met, regretfully to say, by executing one of the hostages in our custody,” said Ubaida. “Our enemy does not understand the values or ethics,” he added.
“My family and I have been up all night, fearing airstrikes. The tower adjacent to my home has been hit by Israel overnight collapsing onto my own house and rendering me and my family homeless,” said a-75-year old Hani El-Bawab.
“ I don’t know what to do, I now live on the street, while my wife stays with an acquaintance,” said El-Bawab.
Bawab confirmed that Palestinians in Gaza are in state of panic and profound fear. They are prepared anytime for a bomb attack.
“I just want a house to live in with my kids. I just want shelter,” he said.
However, Bawab is not remorseful about Hamas’ strike on Israelis. “Every time, they (Israel) are the ones who attack us,” he said. “This time, the (fighters) are the ones who went in,” he said.
Edited by Judy J. Rotich and Newsdesk Manager
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