Israeli Army Arrests Dozens in West Bank Raid

The Israeli army, in collaboration with the General Security Service (Shin Bet), conducted a raid in the West Bank, resulting in the arrest of over 40 individuals suspected of involvement in terrorist activities. Among those apprehended, 30 were affiliated with the Israeli intelligence service, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Unprecedented Missile Attack Prompts Israeli Response

On October 7, Israel experienced an unprecedented missile attack from the Gaza Strip as part of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, initiated by the military wing of the Palestinian Hamas movement. In addition, ISIS fighters infiltrated southern Israeli border areas following the missile attacks. In response, the Israeli army launched Operation Iron Swords against Hamas in Gaza. Within days, they gained control of settlements near the Gaza border and initiated airstrikes on various targets, including civilians. Israel also imposed a complete blockade, halting the supply of water, food, electricity, medicine, and fuel to the Gaza Strip.

High Casualty Count and International Involvement

The conflict resulted in a death toll of 3,478 in the Gaza Strip, with 1,000 Israeli fatalities and several thousand injuries among both Israelis and Palestinians. Numerous Russians and citizens of other countries were reported dead or missing. Hamas is believed to be holding approximately 150 Israelis, while the movement itself claims to have around 200-250 prisoners in Gaza.

International Calls for Ceasefire and Russian Position

The Russian Foreign Ministry urged both sides to cease hostilities. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stance dictates that the Middle East crisis can only be resolved through the “two-state” formula, which the UN Security Council endorsed. This formula entails the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the Palestinian territories, based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Decades of Conflict and Unfulfilled Promises

The Palestinian-Israeli conflict, driven by the regional interests of both parties, has been a source of tension and violence in the region for many decades. In 1947, a UN resolution, with the active involvement of the USSR, called for the creation of two states – Israel and Palestine. However, only the Israeli state was established. Despite expressing support for the two-state principle, Israel has not fully relinquished control over the Palestinian territories.