It has been two weeks since Hamas sprung a shocking, vicious, and complex attack against Israel. It came from air, sea, and land, and included trucks, boats, and paragliders.
Hamas is the Arabic acronym for “Islamic Resistance Movement.” It is the ruling faction in the Gaza Strip. One of its stated goals is the destruction of Israel.
On October 7, Hamas terrorists launched a quick-strike campaign against Israel. Including missiles and manned invasions. They resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people and the capture of approximately 200 others.
The terrorists shot down unarmed Israeli citizens with machine guns. They butchered children including babies. And they beheaded soldiers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately declared war. And began a retaliatory strike that is still active.
Thus far, it’s estimated that at least 2,800 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis have died in the violence. Thousands more have been injured. Those numbers are certain to rise with no end in sight. Netanyahu has declared that the end goal is the complete elimination of Hamas.
Israel Retaliates With Bombing Barrage
That aim will be difficult to achieve. Especially considering Hamas officials hide in their tunnels while leaving Gaza citizens unprotected.
But two things are certain. Gaza will never look the same again. And Israel will never allow itself to experience another “9/11 moment.”
Within a week of the original attack, Israel had struck thousands of targets in Gaza. Some senior Hamas and Palestinian jihad commanders have been killed. And large portions of their headquarters and intelligence infrastructure have been destroyed.
Despite the barrage, Hamas continued launching missiles toward Israel daily. Israel’s “Iron Dome” defense system stopped a majority of those missiles. But some were able to get through.
Ground Invasion Appears Imminent
Meanwhile, Israel was amassing tanks on the northern border of Gaza. Preparing for an expected land invasion. Booby-trapped hiding places could make this a lengthy process.
One of Israel’s stated goals is to replace the Hamas leadership. Such as with the Palestinian Authority or a multinational force. Or a combination.
Israel blocked exits out of Gaza. And Egypt has been reluctant to allow even more refugees across its borders. Many hoping to escape from Gaza moved south in hopes that Egypt will open its border. Food, water, and fuel are in short supply.
Electricity is out in many areas. And some humanitarian aid has been denied access. Aid workers have called the situation in Gaza a “complete catastrophe.”
Israel Vows to ‘Obliterate’ Hamas
Israel’s ambassador to the U.N. said his country “has no interest” in occupying Gaza. “Since we are fighting for our survival and the only way… is to obliterate Hamas, so we will have to do whatever is needed to obliterate their capabilities.”
Among those who died in Israel during the Hamas attacks were at least 30 Americans. More are missing and presumed captured.
President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Tony Blinken proclaimed support for Israel.
Biden called the Hamas attacks “appalling” and “unconscionable.” Blinken said, “We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel. And extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks.”
Global Oil Prices on Way Up
The vast majority of Americans are sympathetic to the Israeli cause. But they ask how a security breach this deep could have occurred on the anniversary of a Jewish holiday.
And they wonder how they will be affected. FBI Director Christopher Wray warned of copycat attacks here. Domestic terror threats have risen in the past two weeks. He urges Americans to practice vigilance. And share intelligence of suspicious behavior.
Also, global oil prices are rising. That means we may soon see rising prices at gas pumps.
What would be worse for oil prices is if other countries join Hamas in a regional war. Hezbollah has already joined by firing missiles into Israel from Lebanon.
Neighboring countries could raise prices. Or cut off oil supplies to countries supporting Israel. That’s what occurred during the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
That’s when Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel. Oil-producing countries in the Middle East then cut production. And imposed an oil embargo on nations supporting Israel.
Iran Is Wild Card in Region
Included among countries that might get involved in the conflict is Iran. It denied helping plan the Hamas attacks, but applauded them nonetheless.
And an Iranian parliament speaker warned of the results of an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza. He said it would “open the gates of hell” for Israel and the region.
Biden says he has seen no evidence of Iranian involvement. But he has warned our enemy to be “very careful” about entering the fray. The president relaxed sanctions against Iran recently. As a result, its production of oil has risen by 700,000 barrels a day.
Tightening sanctions at this point would limit Iran’s petroleum output. And would affect global energy markets even more than what is already occurring.
