The ceasefire between Israel and Gaza has ended following a statement by Hamas that they will not be renewing the truce after passing the end of a six-month period for the initial phase. Fears are now rising of an imminent confrontation between Israel and the forces in Gaza with the IDF cancelling weekend leave for its forces near the strip and preparing for a mobilization. The IDF is also becoming increasingly aggressive with its response to rocket and mortar fire from the Strip including the first targeting of a weapons storehouse since the ceasefire agreement was reached.
Not long after the official end of the ceasefire Palestinian militants fired several rockets at Israel. The nature of attacks has also changed with one case of snipers firing on Jewish farmers. The use of sniper rifles escalates the situation and increases the risks of inflicting fatalities which is certain to lead to an all-out conflict.
Even without fatalities Hamas has warned any attack on the Gaza strip or "new crimes" by Israel would result in a "large-scale confrontation" and that the response would be fierce. This could mean even a single air strike in Gaza would be used to justify a much harsher response than during the ceasefire. The extent of the conflict will likely influence the regional response. An reinvasion of the Gaza Strip could provide an opportunity for Hezbollah to take action against the Shebaa Farms or act on their threat of retaliation for the assassination of Imad Mugniyeh and any such action is likely to bring in all of Lebanon and as a result Syria and Iran as well.
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