AU blames Gaza conflict on Israel
The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union Moussa Faki Mahamat has blamed the hostility between Israel and Palestina's Hamas on Israel.
In a statement after a deadly fight between the warring sides, Faki said the constant conflicts were a result of Israel's failure to acknowledge Palestine as an independent and sovereign state.
"The Chairperson wishes to recall that denial of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, particularly that of an independent and sovereign State, is the main cause of the permanent Israeli-Palestinian tension," Faki stated.
Faki has appealed to both parties to put an end to military hostilities and return to the negotiating table.
"The Chairperson urgently appeals to both parties to put an end to military hostilities and to return, without conditions, to the negotiating table to implement the principle of two states living side by side, to safeguard the interests of the Palestinian people and the Israeli people," he said.
"The Chairperson further calls on the international community, and the major world powers in particular, to assume their responsibilities to impose peace and guarantee the rights of the two peoples."
Israel declares war
In a post on X, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared "a long and difficult war forced upon them by a murderous attack by Hamas".
"The first phase ends in these hours by destroying most of the enemy forces that have penetrated our territory. At the same time, we started the offensive formation and it will continue without reservation and without respite - until the goals are achieved," Netanyahu said. 
Netanyahu asked the residents of Gaza to "leave now because we will operate forcefully everywhere".
"This war will take time. It will be difficult. Challenging days are ahead of us. However, I can promise one thing: With the help of God, the forces that we all have in common and our faith in the Eternal One of Israel, we will win," he added.
