Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2014-07-10

A third night of Israeli air strikes have pounded Gaza, one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

At least 77 people including women and children have been killed during the offensive known as “Operation Protective Edge.”

This is the cost of Israel’s offensive.

Israel’s says it’s acting in defence of its borders and people, striking specific targets on the Hamas run Gaza Strip. It hasn’t ruled out a ground offensive.

“We will not stop. They will first receive a hard blow from both the air and the sea and if a ground invasion is needed, there will be a ground invasion,” Israeli Public Security Minister Yitzak Aharonovich told Al Jazeera.

Hamas has issued its own warning. “By demolishing civilian homes, they have crossed the line. The enemy should completely seize its aggression against our Palestinian people or the resistance will respond fiercely,” said Mosher Al Masri, a Hamas politician.

Speaking from Ramallah in the West Bank, Fatah’s leader Mahmoud Abbas said all Palestinians are affected by Israel’s aggression.

“This is not a war against Hamas or Fatah, but a war against the people, an entire people. We have to have our say on what’s happening now and over the next few days and it’s going to be very difficult days,” said Abbas.

“We know very well that Israel is not protecting itself but fighting for the settlers and it’s settlements,” he added.

Israel has been using unmanned aerial drones to carry out strikes right across the Gaza Strip.

One strike in Beit Hanoun in Northern Gaza killed military leader and Islamic Jihad Al- Quds Brigade Hafez Hamed along with 5 of his family members
 
The attacks from Gaza had been far less accurate. No one has been killed inside Israel, but they’ve left people terrified.

Israel has used its Iron Dome defence system to intercept most of the rockets.

But even if Hamas keeps fighting back with mostly homemade rockets, there’s no denying it stands little chance against Israel’s superior military might.

Meanwhile the African National Congress (ANC) has condemned the barbaric attacks by Israel on the defenceless Palestinian people of Gaza.

“As we move towards the month of August and are reminded of the atrocities of Nazi Germany, surely we must ask the people of Israel has the term “lest we forget” lost its meaning,” Jesse Duarte, Deputy Secretary General said in a statement.

“The Israeli regime must realise that its acts of violence like these attacks on Gaza will only lead to its international isolation,” added Duarte.

“The ANC reiterates its 2012 policy position that as an organisation, we are unequivocal in our support for the Palestinian people in their struggle for self- determination, and unapologetic on our view that the Palestinians are the victims and the oppressed in the conflict with Israel,” she said.  

(Twitter: @Faizie143)