Escalating Tensions: In the Crossfire of Israel's Retaliation, Palestinian Lives Hang in the Balance

When Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, initiated an attack on Israel on Saturday morning, the residents of the besieged strip had conflicting emotions. While some expressed joy, taking pride in what they perceived as a triumph over Israel, others were gripped by fear, anticipating a potential lethal backlash.

The militant groups' unexpected invasion caused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make a solemn promise of retaliation. He stated on Saturday that his nation was engaged in a war, and he vowed to seek a forceful revenge for this tragic day.

Aftermath of Israeli strikes in Gaza on Sunday.

Ibrahim Dahman/CNN

Israel's Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, informed CNN's Dana Bash on Sunday that the number of casualties in Israel has surpassed 600, with the possibility of further increase.

According to Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), approximately 800 targets in Gaza, including alleged launching pads utilized by Hamas, have been successfully demolished by Israel.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, the death toll currently stands at 413 Palestinians, with 78 children among the casualties.

Familiar with past conflicts with Israel, numerous residents in Gaza are seeking refuge within their own homes, as the majority do not have access to bunkers. This densely populated territory, spanning an area of 140 square miles, is home to approximately 2 million people.

Aftermath of Israeli strikes in Gaza on Sunday. Israel said it struck 800 targets in Gaza.

Ibrahim Dahman/CNN

People brave the streets solely for crucial tasks or to search for their loved ones amidst the chaos caused by Israeli airstrikes. The thoroughfares bear the scars of destruction, strewn with debris, while the air is heavy with the scent of dust and gunpowder.

Salim Hussein, a 55-year-old man, was forced to leave his residence after an Israeli airstrike targeted his building. Residing on the first floor, Hussein stated to CNN that he and his family received warnings from Israel just moments prior to the strike.

Expressing his confusion, Hussein mentioned his lack of understanding regarding the reason for the tower being targeted. Having relocated with his family merely five months ago.

"He informed CNN that we departed (from the tower) solely in the apparel we were wearing. Moreover, he stated that his family and him currently possess nothing and possess no destination to relocate. As a consequence of the Hamas intrusion, Palestinians were also prohibited from departing Gaza via the Erez crossing, which has transformed into a battleground between Hamas and Israeli forces."

Israel has decided to halt the provision of "electricity, fuel, and goods" to the Gaza Strip, as stated by Netanyahu on Saturday. However, IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht clarified on Sunday that only electricity supply had been discontinued. Consequently, the duration of power availability has reduced from the usual eight hours to just an average of four hours per day. It is important to note that Israel is the principal supplier of electricity to Gaza. Additionally, the internet connectivity in the region has also experienced intermittent disruptions.

Panic and fear

The Gaza Strip has been almost completely cut off from the rest of the world for nearly 17 years.

Since 2007, the enclave has been under Hamas rule and faces a severe blockade enforced by Egypt and Israel, including an air and naval blockade on Gaza. Human Rights Watch has characterized it as the "largest open-air prison" in the world. The people of Gaza have witnessed multiple destructive Israeli strikes on the territory after Israeli forces withdrew in 2005. There is frequent conflict between Israel and Palestinian factions, such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Aftermath of Israeli strikes in Gaza on Sunday. The Palestinian health ministry said 370 Palestinians were killed there.

Israel launched airstrikes overnight targeting 10 Hamas-occupied towers in Gaza, according to Hagari's statement on Sunday. Additionally, tens of thousands of Israeli soldiers are currently conducting ground operations in the vicinity of the Gaza Strip.

The IDF announced on Sunday its current objective of gaining control over the Gaza Strip. They have emphasized the need for civilians in residential areas near the border to evacuate immediately for their own safety, as Israeli military operations persistently target Hamas.

However, the majority of Gazans are unable to escape the besieged enclave due to the closure of all crossings, except for the heavily regulated Rafah crossing with Egypt.

Rockets are fired from Gaza into Israel, in Gaza City, on Rockets are fired from Gaza into Israel, in Gaza City, on Saturday.

Mohammed Salem/Reuters

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Hani El-Bawab, a 75-year-old man, expressed his distress as he and his family of four spent a sleepless night apprehending airstrikes. During the night, Israel targeted the tower neighboring their residence, causing it to collapse onto their home. Consequently, El-Bawab and his family found themselves without shelter, forcing him to reside on the street while his wife seeks accommodation with an acquaintance.

Palestinians in Gaza are constantly living in a state of panic and fear, always on edge, expecting a bomb to devastate their homes. Their only desire is to find a safe house for themselves and their children, a place where they can take shelter from the ongoing conflict. Despite their dire circumstances, he does not express any remorse for the attacks carried out by Hamas on Israel. He firmly believes that Israel is the one initiating the aggression, and this time, it is their fighters who have taken action in response.

CNNs Nadeen Ebrahim contributed to this report.