Violence continues to brew between Hamas and Israel as Israel responds to Tuesday’s attack by shooting bombs into Gaza from warplanes.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Gaza shot 150 air missiles Tuesday, hitting more than seven cities, including Israel. The attack marked the first time that Gaza had launched missiles that far and the first time that missiles from Gaza had landed in Israel. Three missiles in total hit Israel, which caused the Israeli government to gather 40,000 soldiers from its army reserve and begin the third substantial military operation in five years.
Israel’s retaliation against Gaza, known as Operation Protective Edge, has already left over 25 dead. The attack has also injured over 200 Palestinians, while no Israelis have been harmed. Israel has hit over 400 places, including cities Beit Hanoun and al-Fukhari, as well as the military building used by Jihad Brigades, another group that is one of Israel’s enemies, USA Today noted.
The violence is taking its toll on citizens from both countries. In Gaza, citizens stayed home from work and school to stay safe and are facing problems due to a lack of bomb shelters and food shortages at grocery stores. Israel is also feeling the impact of the attacks as final exams at Ben Gurion University, a college in southern Israel have been put off until further notice.
Israel officials have announced that this operation will be long term, which has caused many to fear that Israel will launch a ground attack against Gaza. Ismail Al Ashkar, a Hamas official for Gaza, has also made it clear that Gaza will not back down until Israel pulls out the white flag.