Israel Launches Operation Pillar of Defense in Gaza
Assassination of Hamas military chief Ahmad Jabari triggers major escalation as Israel begins extensive military operation
Israel launched a major military offensive against Gaza today with the targeted killing of Ahmad Jabari, chief of Hamas’s military wing, marking the beginning of what Israeli officials are calling “Operation Pillar of Defense.”
The Assassination
Jabari was killed in his car by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City at approximately 4:00 PM local time. His bodyguard also died in the attack. The IDF released aerial footage of the precision strike.
Immediate Escalation
Within hours of Jabari’s killing:
- Israel conducted over 20 airstrikes across Gaza
- Hamas fired dozens of rockets into southern Israel
- Air raid sirens sounded in multiple Israeli cities
- Egypt recalled its ambassador to Israel
Israeli Objectives
Defense Minister Ehud Barak outlined the operation’s goals:
- Strengthen deterrence against rocket fire
- Destroy Hamas’s strategic weapons
- Target terrorist infrastructure
- Minimize harm to civilians
Hamas Response
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum declared: “Israel has opened the gates of hell on itself.” The group vowed revenge and called for a third intifada.
Islamic Jihad and other factions joined Hamas in firing rockets deeper into Israel than in previous rounds.
Civilian Impact
In Gaza:
- 10 Palestinians killed on first day
- Schools and universities closed
- Residents stocking up on essentials
In Israel:
- One million Israelis within rocket range
- Schools closed in southern districts
- Iron Dome activated in multiple cities
International Reactions
- United States: Backed Israel’s right to self-defense
- Egypt: Condemned the escalation, recalled ambassador
- UN: Called for immediate de-escalation
- Arab League: Emergency meeting scheduled
Background
The operation follows weeks of escalating tensions:
- Over 100 rockets fired from Gaza in recent days
- Israeli retaliatory strikes
- Border incidents including tunnel explosions
Analysis
This marks the most significant military confrontation since Operation Cast Lead in 2008-2009. The timing, weeks after the US election and amid regional upheaval from the Arab Spring, suggests complex strategic calculations on both sides.