Iran's missile strike on Israel on October 2, 2024, escalated tensions in the Middle East. Launched in retaliation for Israeli operations against Hezbollah, Hamas, and a senior Iranian commander, several missiles hit central areas, raising fears of further retaliation and conflict.
Iran’s Missile Strike on Israel
New Delhi, October 2, 2024 – In a significant escalation of hostilities, Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles towards Israel on October 2, 2024, resulting in widespread explosions across the country. The Israeli military confirmed that while a large number of the missiles were intercepted, several managed to hit central and southern areas, causing light injuries to at least two individuals from shrapnel in Tel Aviv.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards announced that this missile strike was a direct response to recent Israeli operations that killed key figures in Hezbollah and Hamas, alongside a senior Iranian commander. Iranian officials issued a stark warning of “further crushing attacks” if Israel retaliates, indicating a potential for increased violence in an already volatile region.
This strike coincided with Israeli troops’ invasion of southern Lebanon, aimed at eliminating what the military described as “Hezbollah terror targets” that posed a threat to residents in northern Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized this period as a campaign against Iran’s “axis of evil,” urging unity among Israelis to confront the looming threat.
Background of the Israel-Palestine Conflict
The roots of the Israel-Palestine conflict date back to the early 20th century. After World War I, the British took control of Palestine following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire. In 1917, the Balfour Declaration announced British support for establishing a Jewish homeland in Palestine, which led to tensions between the Jewish minority and the Arab majority. Jewish immigration surged, particularly in the 1930s as Jews fled persecution during the Holocaust, leading to frequent violent clashes between Jewish and Arab communities.
In 1947, the United Nations proposed dividing Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem as an international city. Jewish leaders accepted the plan, but Arab leaders rejected it. In 1948, the State of Israel was declared, leading to the first Arab-Israeli war. This war, known to Israelis as the War of Independence and to Palestinians as the Nakba (“Catastrophe”), resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and Israel’s control over most of the territory.
Key conflicts followed, including the 1967 Six-Day War, where Israel captured East Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza, and other territories. The ongoing Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, considered illegal by most of the international community, remains a major point of contention.
Gaza, home to over two million Palestinians, has been a hotspot for violence. Although Israel withdrew in 2005, it still controls Gaza’s borders and airspace. Since 2007, Hamas has governed Gaza and has been involved in multiple conflicts with Israel. Despite peace efforts like the Oslo Accords, unresolved issues—Palestinian refugees, settlements, and the status of Jerusalem—continue to fuel the conflict, dividing the international community.
Recent Development
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, firing over 5,000 rockets, resulting in around 1,400 deaths. This attack also involved the capture of Israeli soldiers and civilians. In retaliation, Israel launched airstrikes and declared war on Hamas. By October 15, approximately 2,700 Palestinians had been killed, and one million were displaced due to the conflict. Israel further intensified the situation by cutting off essential supplies like food, water, and electricity to Gaza, creating a severe humanitarian crisis. The Israeli government also ordered the evacuation of Northern Gaza, while clashes escalated on the Israel-Lebanon border between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.
Continued Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
Since the establishment of Israel, the conflict has been marked by wars, uprisings (Intifadas), and ongoing disputes over land, borders, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees. The situation has been exacerbated by the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the status of Jerusalem, a city sacred to both Jews and Muslims.
The recent escalation has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. As of May 13, 2024, the United Nations reported that approximately 35,000 people have died in the conflict, including 7,797 minors, 4,959 women, and 1,924 elderly individuals with confirmed identities. The continuous bombardment has devastated infrastructure, leading to shortages of essential supplies such as food, water, and medical care. The UN reports that about 1.5 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance, many lacking access to safe shelter.
Iran’s Direct Involvement
The missile strike represents a marked escalation in Iran’s involvement in the conflict, signaling a willingness to engage directly in military hostilities against Israel. Iran has long supported militant groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, viewing them as part of a broader resistance against Israeli and American interests in the region. The recent rhetoric from Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, underscores Iran’s commitment to avenging the deaths of allied leaders, further entrenching its role in the ongoing conflict.
In April 2024, Iran had already launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike that killed several high-ranking commanders. While most of these attacks were intercepted, the sustained aggression underscores Iran’s strategic intent to challenge Israel militarily.
International Reactions and Consequences
The U.S. government swiftly condemned the missile strike, with a senior White House official warning that a direct military attack from Iran against Israel would lead to severe consequences for the Iranian regime. The United States has consistently supported Israel’s right to defend itself and has deployed military resources in the region to bolster Israel’s defense capabilities.
The United Nations, tasked with maintaining international peace and security, has called for de-escalation and urged all parties to exercise restraint. However, the UN’s efforts have faced criticism for their ineffectiveness in mitigating the humanitarian crisis and resolving the conflict. Many observers argue that the organization’s responses have been insufficient, failing to hold aggressors accountable or provide adequate support for affected populations.
India’s Stance
India has historically maintained a balanced approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict, advocating for dialogue and negotiation to resolve disputes. As a nation with significant ties to both Israel and the Arab world, India emphasizes the importance of a two-state solution, respecting the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians. In light of the recent escalation, India has reiterated its call for peace and stability in the region, urging restraint from all parties involved.
Conclusion
The recent missile attack by Iran on Israel marks a dangerous escalation in the already complex and fraught landscape of the Israel-Palestine conflict. With Iran’s involvement intensifying, the potential for a broader regional conflict looms large, raising concerns among global powers. The international community must act decisively to address the underlying issues fueling this conflict while advocating for humanitarian assistance to those caught in the crossfire. Only through dialogue and a commitment to peace can a sustainable resolution be achieved, ensuring safety and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians in the years to come.
