Israel has declared war against the Palestinian militant organisation Hamas following a significant multi-pronged attack on Saturday. This large-scale offensive has resulted in over 1000 casualties in Israel and triggered a series of retaliatory Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, claiming the lives of at least 765 individuals.
In response, Israel conducted extensive airstrikes on cities in the blockaded Gaza Strip, resulting in the destruction of numerous buildings, including a hit a mosque and a marketplace. Over 1600 casualties in both Israel and Gaza have been reported, and this number is expected to increase.
Israel also ordered a “complete siege” of Gaza Strip on Monday. Defence minister Yoav Gallant said that “no electricity, no food, no water, no fuel” would be allowed into Gaza.
According to latest updates, following the expiration of Hamas's ultimatum, rockets have been launched from Gaza towards Ashkelon. Earlier, Hamas had issued a warning to residents of the Israeli city, giving them until 5 PM local time (3 PM UK time) to evacuate. The threat was made by Hamas's armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, in response to what they referred to as the "enemy's crime."
World leaders take a stand
The British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak along with the US President, Joe Biden; French President, Emmanuel Macron; German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz; and Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni issued a joint statement expressing "steadfast and united support" for the state of Israel and "unequivocal condemnation" of Hamas. These five countries together constitute the Quint international organisation.
This statement comes in response to an unprecedented attack on Israel from Gaza by the Palestinian militant group, which resulted in Israel launching airstrikes and imposing a "complete siege" on the Gaza Strip. “We make clear that the terrorist actions of Hamas have no justification, no legitimacy, and must be universally condemned,” the statement reads. “There is never any justification for terrorism."
The Palace of Westminster, among various important monuments across the world, has also been illuminated as a demonstration of support for the people of Israel in the wake of recent terrorist attacks.
UK committed to protecting its Jewish community
As this conflict escalates, Rishi Sunak has affirmed his unwavering commitment to safeguarding Britain's Jewish community, vowing to take all necessary measures.
He made this pledge while addressing a synagogue in North London, where he expressed his solidarity with Israel and reassured the Jewish community in Britain. In addition to this, the Prime Minister pledged support for Israel, joining other world leaders in their response to the Hamas attacks.
The ongoing conflict, however, has reflected in London as hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters congregated outside the Israeli embassy in Kensington on Monday night. During the demonstration, a Palestinian flag was draped atop a lamppost across from the embassy, and protesters brandished "free Palestine" banners while chanting. In response to the protest, some sections of the embassy were boarded up.
Furthermore, police officers had to defuse and prevent potential clashes between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine protesters near High Street Kensington Tube Station. Law enforcement reported the arrest of three individuals and ongoing investigations. In a separate incident, a Jewish restaurant in Golders Green, North London, was vandalised.
On the other hand, supporters of Israel gathered outside Downing Street to pay their respects to the victims and hostages of the Hamas attack that occurred over the Gaza border on Saturday. The Metropolitan police are increasing the profile of officers on London’s streets to provide reassurance against antisemitic activities.
Organisations and leaders stand in solidarity
The Jewish safety charity the Community Security Trust (CST)said it had held meetings with the home secretary, Suella Braverman, the security minister, Tom Tugendhat, and senior police officers to ensure measures are taken to protect the Jewish community.
Co-Chairs of the British Indian Jewish Association (BIJA), Dr Peter Chadha and Zaki Cooper exclusively told Asian Voice, "BIJA is shocked and sickened by the terrorist attacks against Israel. As the organisation which acts as the forum for the friendship between the Indian and Jewish communities in Britain, we offer our full solidarity with the people of Israel at this distressing time.
“We mourn the hundreds of innocent civilians who have lost their lives, comfort the bereaved and pray for all those injured. As two minority communities in the UK, we stand shoulder to shoulder with each other, extending genuine friendship in these testing times. We utterly reject and view with contempt any attempts to attack the Jewish community and sow division at this critical juncture.
“BIJA remains steadfast in its commitment to bolstering the ties between our communities. We will continue to provide mutual support in combating adversity, racism, and antisemitism. Our solidarity with the Israeli people endures during this harrowing time."
Ameet Jogia MBE, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Hendon, home to a significant Jewish population, said, “We are all deeply shocked and saddened by the devastating terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel over the weekend. The attacks were abhorrent and particularly sad that they took place during the Jewish holidays - especially at a time when people were celebrating with their friends and families.
“As the Parliamentary candidate for Hendon - one of the most Jewish constituencies in the UK - I strongly condemn these attacks and I firmly stand with Israel. I will continue to do all I can to make sure that the British Jewish community feel safe and I have been in touch with the police and security authorities to increase provisions where possible.”
The most substantial Jewish communities can be found in Edgware and Hendon, comprising 32.6% and 31.4% of their respective populations.
Humza Yousaf concerned for family
Scotland's leader, Humza Yousaf has also expressed his concerns about his wife's parents being stranded in Gaza, fearing for their safety amid the recent hostilities between Hamas and Israel. His wife's parents were visiting family in Gaza when Hamas initiated a surprise attack on Israel over the weekend.
“They’re trapped in Gaza. They’re being told by the Israelis to leave Gaza, they’ve been told that Gaza will be effectively turned into rubble but they have nowhere to go, they can’t leave, Gaza is under a blockade,” Yousaf said in an interview with the BBC.
27 Indians Including Rajya Sabha MP Evacuated From Israel
Following a terrorist attack by the Hamas organisation in Israel, several Indians have successfully crossed into Egypt from that country, including Rajya Sabha MP Wanweiroy Kharlukhi, his wife, and daughter.
"As per the latest information and through the efforts of MEA and our Indian mission, our 27 citizens from Meghalaya, who were stuck in the war conflict zone of Israel and Palestine have safely crossed the border into Egypt," Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said in a post on X.
Mr Kharlukhi, a prominent leader in Meghalaya's National Peoples Party (NPP), along with 24 other citizens of the northeastern state had travelled to Jerusalem for religious purposes
Stand in solidarity with Israel: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock at the Hamas attack on Israel. Extending condolence and prayers, PM Modi said India stands in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour. “Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour,” PM Modi tweeted hours after rockets fired by the Hamas group triggered a war in Israel.
