Israel Launches Operation Protective Edge Against Gaza

Israel launched “Operation Protective Edge” against Gaza tonight, beginning with waves of airstrikes targeting Hamas infrastructure as the military called up 40,000 reservists for a possible ground invasion.

Operation Launch

The offensive began at 1:00 AM with simultaneous strikes on:

50 targets in first hour
Hamas command centers
Rocket launching sites
Weapons storage facilities
Training camps
Leaders’ homes

Triggering Events

Recent Escalation:

Over 200 rockets fired from Gaza since July 1
Hamas claimed responsibility after initial restraint
Rockets reached 70km into Israel
Iron Dome intercepting dozens daily
Egyptian ceasefire efforts failed

Stated Objectives

Prime Minister Netanyahu outlined goals:

Restore quiet to Israeli citizens
Destroy Hamas terror infrastructure
Eliminate rocket arsenals
Disable attack tunnels
Avoid civilian casualties when possible

Hamas Response

Khaled Meshaal from Qatar: “Netanyahu has opened the gates of hell on himself. The resistance is ready for a long battle.”

Hamas military wing promised “earthquake” response and fired long-range rockets toward Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

First Day Toll

Palestinian Casualties:

24 killed including civilians
Over 100 wounded
Infrastructure heavily damaged

Israeli Impact:

130+ rockets fired from Gaza
Iron Dome 90% successful
No deaths reported
Several injuries from rockets

Military Preparations

IDF Mobilization:

40,000 reservists called up
Tanks massing near Gaza border
Navy enforcing maritime blockade
Civilians told to prepare for long operation

Hamas Preparations:

Evacuating known facilities
Dispersing leadership
Preparing tunnel networks
Stockpiling supplies

Regional Reactions

Egypt: Blamed Hamas for escalation
Turkey: Condemned Israeli “aggression”
Arab League: Emergency meeting called
Iran: Pledged support for “resistance”

International Response

US: “Israel has right to defend itself”
UN: “Deeply concerned about civilian protection”
EU: Called for “maximum restraint”
Russia: Urged immediate de-escalation

Civilian Impact

In Gaza:

Residents fleeing border areas
Hospitals preparing for casualties
Power cuts affecting thousands
Food and fuel concerns rising

In Israel:

Million+ in bomb shelters
Ben Gurion Airport disruptions
Southern schools closed
Economic activity slowing

Different from Previous Rounds

Hamas openly taking responsibility
Longer range rockets deployed
Israeli public demanding decisive action
Regional environment transformed
International attention divided

Analysis

This operation begins under different circumstances than 2012:

Hamas weakened by Egyptian hostility
Israeli technology improved (Iron Dome)
Palestinian unity government complicates diplomacy
War-weary publics on both sides
Risk of West Bank explosion higher

The key question: Will this remain an air campaign or escalate to ground invasion with its inevitable higher casualties?