An air raid alert was issued for Tel Aviv, as reported by the Israeli military through its official channels. The alert underscored heightened tensions and the ongoing exchange of attacks and responses between Israel and Gaza.
In its own communications, Hamas representatives described strikes on an Israeli city as part of a broader campaign. The statements came amid a period of intense hostilities and rapid movements on the ground and in the air.
Earlier remarks from Alexander Ben Zvi, the Israeli Ambassador to Russia, suggested the Gaza operation had been coordinated at a high political level with the United States. He attributed this perceived coordination to long-standing alliances with Western nations and their shared interests in regional stability and security.
On October 7, Hamas launched thousands of rockets toward Israel and announced the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Hundreds of militants reportedly crossed into Israeli territory, seizing equipment and taking hostages. In response, Israeli leaders declared the nation to be at war and pledged a comprehensive military effort.
The Israeli Defense Forces initiated a campaign referred to as Iron Swords, aimed at degrading Hamas capabilities. Israeli airpower conducted extensive strikes against targets in the Gaza Strip, while Israel’s National Security Council decided to implement measures affecting essential services, including water, food, electricity, and fuel supplies to the territory. By October 13, Israeli authorities informed the United Nations of plans to evacuate approximately 1.1 million Palestinians from northern Gaza to southern areas in preparation for a potential ground operation, signaling a significant shift in civilian movement and humanitarian considerations.
In separate commentary, Hamas officials criticized Western involvement, arguing that an implicit barrier had been erected between Western powers and the Arab world, complicating regional diplomacy and cooperation on security matters. The discourse highlighted ongoing tensions over international responses and the prospects for de-escalation in the conflict.