Canada’s Reaction to the Israel-Hamas War: Assessing Key Events on Day 5

Israel–Hamas War: Key Events and Developments on Day 5

Fighting: Israeli Offensive, Hamas Attacks, and Cross-Border Shelling

The conflict between Israel and Palestine has entered its fifth day with escalating violence and significant developments on both sides. The Israeli military carried out a series of airstrikes, targeting over 200 locations in a neighborhood in Gaza City. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has announced a ground offensive in addition to the ongoing air campaign. The Israeli government has called up an unprecedented 300,000 reservists to bolster its forces.

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group controlling the Gaza Strip, launched a deadly attack in southern Israel, marking the deadliest assault by Palestinians in Israeli history. In response, Israel intensified its military operations, resulting in the destruction of residential units, health facilities, and schools. Two senior members of Hamas were killed in an airstrike, the first significant casualties among Hamas leadership since the conflict began.

The violence extended beyond the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with rockets fired from southern Lebanon towards Israel, prompting Israeli shelling in return. Additionally, shells launched from Syrian territory landed in open areas in Israel, leading to further exchanges of fire. These incidents have raised concerns of a broader regional war. Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group, claimed responsibility for firing missiles in response to the killing of three of its fighters.

Diplomacy: International Reactions and Efforts for Resolution

The international community is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to address the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas. US President Joe Biden condemned the attacks by Hamas, describing them as “an act of sheer evil.” He also expressed solidarity with Israel and announced Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s upcoming visit as a show of support.

Egypt is working to prevent a mass exodus of people from the Gaza Strip amidst Israeli bombardments that have halted border crossings. European Union foreign ministers are holding meetings to discuss aid payments to Palestinians and address internal divisions. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell criticized Israel for imposing a total blockade on the Gaza Strip, stating that it violated international law.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denied Iranian involvement in the Hamas attack but expressed support for those causing damage to Israel. Russian President Vladimir Putin attributed the Israel–Hamas war to policy failures by the United States.

Casualties and Humanitarian Situation

The conflict has taken a devastating toll on both sides, with substantial loss of life and widespread injuries. According to the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza, over 1,055 people have been killed, and 5,184 wounded in the densely populated coastal enclave. On the Israeli side, more than 1,200 people have been killed, with at least 3,000 wounded, according to Israeli medical services.

Market and Business Impact

The escalating violence in the region has caused concerns among investors, particularly in the oil market. There are fears of a spike in oil prices due to the Middle East turmoil. However, global stocks have seen some rise, albeit with cautious trading due to the ongoing violence in Israel.

Sources: Al Jazeera, news agencies

[Keywords: Conflict, Canada, Israel, Hamas, War, Reaction, Key Events, Day 5]