TEL AVIV, Israel – The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has intensified as both sides continue to exchange deadly attacks. This round of violence was triggered by a terrorist attack carried out by Hamas, resulting in the death of at least 900 people, marking one of the deadliest incidents in Israel’s history. In response, Israel has launched a series of airstrikes on the densely populated Gaza Strip, controlled by Hamas, causing a significant loss of life and displacing tens of thousands of people.

Israel’s military, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has confirmed that it is targeting Hamas’ terror infrastructure along the coast of the Gaza Strip. A fishing boat at the Gaza port was seen ablaze as a result of the airstrikes. Hamas, on the other hand, has responded by firing a barrage of rockets from Gaza into Israel. The Palestinian militant group stated that this was in retaliation for the displacement of civilians in Gaza. Videos shared by Hamas show rockets flying through the sky while people in Israel seek shelter.

The situation for civilians in Gaza is further compounded by the closure of the only border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Israeli warplanes targeted the Rafah crossing, leaving Gazans with no means of escape. The IDF has urged residents in Gaza to evacuate their homes for their own safety as Israeli military operations continue to target Hamas. This has raised concerns that Israel may be preparing for a ground incursion into the enclave.

In an alarming development, rockets were also fired from south Lebanon toward Israel. Although the Lebanese outlet that reported the incident is owned by Hezbollah, Hezbollah itself did not claim responsibility. In response, the IDF retaliated with artillery fire.

The conflict has also led to the loss of lives among foreign nationals. Governments of various countries, including Peru, Brazil, Argentina, France, Russia, and Thailand, have reported their citizens’ deaths or missing status due to attacks by Hamas on Israel.

Despite the escalating violence, there are no indications that the United States is urging Israel to exercise restraint. During a phone call between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Joe Biden, the possibility of a Gaza incursion was discussed, but Biden did not express opposition to the idea.

As the situation unfolds, CNN International Diplomatic Editor Nic Robertson provides on-the-ground insights in the “Tug of War” podcast from his position just two miles from the Israeli border with Gaza.

In summary, the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, with devastating consequences for both sides. The initial attack by Hamas has triggered a series of airstrikes by Israel, leading to a significant loss of life and the displacement of many Gazans. Rockets have also been fired from Lebanon toward Israel, adding to the complexity of the situation. Foreign nationals are among the casualties, and the United States seems hesitant to call for restraint. The situation remains fluid as the conflict unfolds on the ground.