On Wednesday’s episode ofPlease Explain,political and international editor Peter Hartcher analyses the escalating conflict in the Gaza Strip — and explains why a much bigger conflict is afoot.
“It was a surprise attack aimed at civilians,primarily at Israeli civilians. It was carefully co-ordinated,large scale,where 22 towns were infiltrated by foot on the ground,” Hartcher says.
“The particular novelty of this attack was that,contrary to all experience and expectations,the Hamas fighters were able to enter suburban streets,villages,homes,without any interference. These places were not protected.
“It was a terrorist attack on civilians,very deliberately conducted,much of it filmed on people’s phones,designed to shock –and this is what terrorists do.”
Over the weekend,the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack inside Israel.
Under the cover of thousands of deadly missiles that overwhelmed Israel’s vaunted Iron Dome defences,Hamas militants infiltrated towns,security installations and a remote outdoor music festival.
They killed Israeli civilians and security forces indiscriminately and snatched some 150 hostages.
Israel has now formally declared war on Hamas. Tanks and personnel carriers are on the move and the stage is set for a lengthy military operation in Gaza.