In a shocking and unprecedented turn of events, the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas launched a major attack on Israel on October 7, taking the nation by surprise. The assault combined daring infiltrations by gunmen into Israeli towns with a relentless barrage of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip, leaving more than 20 people dead.
Israel promptly responded, labeling the Iran-backed group's actions as a declaration of war. Israeli forces engaged in intense fighting with militants in several Israeli towns and military bases near Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, vowing to retaliate with determination.
"Our enemy will pay a price the type of which it has never known. We are in a war and we will win it," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated.
The toll from the attack has been devastating, with at least 22 Israelis killed and over 250 wounded, according to Israel's ambulance service, and the numbers are expected to rise.
The Israeli military immediately launched air strikes into Gaza, resulting in heavy explosions and at least two reported casualties. The attack is one of the most serious escalations in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in years.
Reports suggest that Hamas militants are holding Israelis hostage in the town of Ofakim, while in Sderot, Palestinian militants have been killed, and homes set ablaze.
Israeli media has reported gun battles between Palestinian fighters and security forces in multiple southern Israeli towns. Israel's police chief mentioned that there were "21 active scenes" in southern Israel, emphasizing the extensive scope of the attack.
In anticipation of prolonged conflict, people in Gaza rushed to buy supplies, with some evacuating their homes to seek refuge in shelters.
Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif declared the operation's commencement in a broadcast on Hamas media, calling on Palestinians worldwide to join the fight.
"This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth," he stated, claiming that 5,000 rockets had already been launched.
The last significant escalation between Israel and Hamas was the 10-day war in 2021, making this recent attack all the more unexpected and shocking.
Call for Help
Desperate pleas for help have emerged from affected areas. A woman in the kibbutz near Gaza, identified as Dorin, called Israel N12 News, reporting that militants had infiltrated her house and were trying to open the bomb shelter where she was hiding.
Israeli Defence Minister Gallant confirmed that "troops are fighting against the enemy at every location" and authorized the call-up of reservists. The Israeli military has deployed forces inside Gaza, but details remain scarce.
Reports have also surfaced of gunmen opening fire on passers-by in Sderot, with social media footage showing clashes in city streets and gunmen in jeeps patrolling the countryside.
This escalation comes amidst increasing violence between Israel and Palestinian militants in the West Bank, where both territories have long been the focal point of Palestinian aspirations for statehood.
Additionally, it occurs during a period of political turmoil in Israel, characterized by deep divisions over judicial reforms, while Washington works towards a normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
The Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah expressed support for the operation, viewing it as a "decisive response to Israel's continued occupation and a message to those seeking normalization with Israel."
Captivity
Reports of Israelis being taken captive have emerged, with Hamas media displaying videos of what they claim are the bodies of Israeli soldiers and Palestinian gunmen within Israeli homes. Palestinian media has also reported captives taken by fighters and shared footage showing a destroyed Israeli tank.
While the Israeli military is aware of these reports, they have not provided further details at this time. In Gaza, the sounds of rocket launches and armed clashes near the separation fence with Israel have intensified, indicating the gravity of the situation.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group has joined Hamas in the attack, with their armed wing spokesman Abu Hamza stating;
"We are part of this battle, our fighters are side-by-side with their brothers in the Qassam Brigades until victory is achieved."
In Gaza, residents expressed disbelief at the unprecedented infiltration into Israel, with one shopkeeper describing it as "like a dream."
This attack comes just a day after Israel marked the 50th anniversary of the 1973 war, a poignant moment in the nation's history when it faced a surprise attack by Syria and Egypt.
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