Israeli Siege on Gaza Met with International Condemnation as Humanitarian Crisis Looms

Israeli forces have imposed a full siege on the Gaza Strip, cutting off food, fuel and supplies to its 2.3 million people, in response to a bloody incursion by Hamas militants over the weekend. In an audio statement released Monday, Abu Obeida, spokesman of the Qassam Brigades, said intense strikes had occurred in civilian areas in Gaza, and warned that Hamas would kill one civilian hostage every time Israel targets civilians in their homes without warning.

The Israeli military has reported that it has largely gained control of its southern towns, where it had been battling Hamas gunmen, more than two days after the surprise attack from Gaza. The incident has been a shock to Israel’s vaunted military and intelligence apparatus, resulting in heavy battles in its streets for the first time in decades.

The siege on Gaza has been met with international condemnation, with the United Nations and other international organizations calling for an immediate end to the violence. The UN has warned that the situation in Gaza is becoming increasingly dire, with the lack of food, fuel and medical supplies putting the lives of civilians at risk.

The Israeli government has defended its actions, saying that it is responding to Hamas’ aggression and that it is doing its best to minimize civilian casualties. However, human rights groups have accused Israel of using disproportionate force and of failing to take into account the needs of the civilian population in Gaza.