US blames Hamas, Israel steps up anti-Hezbollah ops, Gantz urges snap elections Middle East's biggest conflict in a nutshell

Large numbers of civilians, humanitarian workers and journalists have suffered significant losses in the Gaza Strip during the Israeli operation. The radical Hamas movement is believed to be one of the primary causes, as it uses civilians as human shields.

TASS reports citing a briefing by Matthew Miller, head of the US State Department's press office, that Israel is operating in incredibly difficult circumstances due to Hamas members hiding behind human shields.

He stated that Hamas has set up positions in residential homes, mosques, hospitals, and other locations. However, Miller also emphasized that Israel must do everything possible to prevent civilian deaths.

Miller was also asked to comment on why many Palestinian civilians are dying as a result of Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip, as well as representatives of humanitarian organisations and journalists.

The situation in the Middle East has escalated sharply since Hamas militants infiltrated Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, killing residents of border settlements and taking more than 200 hostages, including children, women, and the elderly. In response, the Israeli side launched Operation Iron Swords, which is still ongoing.

Reports indicate that the Israeli military has allegedly operated in the area of Rafah city, located in the southern region of the Gaza Strip. The Arab League (LAS) military action has issued a warning that this military action could destroy any chances of a peaceful settlement of the conflict in the Palestinian enclave.

During an emergency meeting of the regional organisation in the Egyptian capital, LAS issued a special statement. The statement indicated that the Israeli military's incursion into Rafah could lead to the expansion of the current conflict in the region and destroy any possibilities for a peaceful settlement. The Arab permanent representatives to the League also pointed out that any potential Israeli aggression in Rafah would be considered an attack on the security of all Arab states.

Furthermore, LAS has called on the UN to make a decision that would force Israel to end the war in the Gaza Strip.

Despite warnings, Israel continues military operations not only in the South but also in the North.

The Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared during a rear-guard readiness drill held in Haifa city that Israel is increasing readiness and expanding operations against the Shiite Hezbollah movement and other organisations that pose a threat to it.

Gallant emphasised the challenges faced by Israel in ensuring the safe return of over 80,000 Israelis who fled settlements in the north of the country due to daily rocket and mortar attacks from Lebanon. He said that Israel prefers to resolve the confrontation with Hezbollah through an agreement that would ensure the removal of the threat in northern Israel. However, Israel needs to be prepared for the possibility of a forceful development in Lebanon, which could also lead to a war scenario.

Gallant concluded that Israel needs to be prepared for any scenario and threat, both near and far. He was addressing those participating in the rear area readiness exercise, which assessed coordination between local authorities, government agencies, and rescue services in a war situation.

It has been also reported that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Command has decided to increase the number of reserve soldiers for air defence units after assessing the security situation.

According to the IDF statement, the decision was made to increase personnel and call up soldiers from the reserves to the air defence system.

Meanwhile, the political situation in the country is heating up, fuelled by ongoing demonstrations in Israel's major cities.

The military cabinet minister, Benny Gantz, has called for early parliamentary elections in September to help continue the fight against Hamas while restoring citizens' trust in the authorities.

According to The Jerusalem Post, Gantz discussed the topic with political leaders, conveyed the information to the prime minister, and promised to continue engaging in dialogue on the issue. He is willing to leave the cabinet convened for the duration of the operation in Gaza and does not intend to remain in a government that will not take concrete action to return Israelis abducted by the Palestinians.

Anti-government rallies took place in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem the night before, resulting in clashes with the police. The protesters are demanding the return of hostages held by Hamas. Gantz commented that police disobedience cannot be tolerated, but at the same time, he acknowledged the legitimacy of such rallies. He also understood the motives of the demonstrators.