Israel’s military announced a “state of war alert” after Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas launched a major attack on Israel, marking one of the most substantial escalations. The assault involved both gunmen crossing the border into Israel and a heavy barrage of rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, prompting warning sirens across southern and central Israel, including Jerusalem. Israel’s military mobilized in response, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting with security officials.
This attack witnessed an unprecedented infiltration of Hamas gunmen into Israel from Gaza, leading to gun battles between Palestinian fighters and Israeli security forces in southern Israeli towns. Residents in Gaza hurriedly stocked up on supplies in anticipation of prolonged conflict.
A rocket fired from Gaza has struck a residential area in Israel. pic.twitter.com/mHODxDVCHu
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) October 7, 2023
Large number of casualties
Israel’s emergency rescue service, Zaka, has reported a death toll of over 200 people, CNN states.
Furthermore, the attacks left numerous people wounded. The Israeli health ministry has recorded more than 1,452 people who have sustained injuries as a result of the devastating attacks.
Insane Footage showing 100s of Rockets being launched by Hamas in the Gaza Strip towards Tel Aviv. pic.twitter.com/ueM1NbBrfh
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 7, 2023
Shocking Footage and Officials’ Reaction
Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif declared the operation’s commencement. He urged Palestinians to join the fight. He stated that it aimed to end the “last occupation on earth,” Reuters reports.
#BREAKING: HAMAS Islamist terror group claims to have abducted several IDF soldiers who are being taken away to Gaza. Settlers captured and held as hostages in many private homes in Ofakim, Netivot and Sderot of Israel. Emergency situation in many areas of Israel. pic.twitter.com/Wd4jeGZZMG
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) October 7, 2023
Various brutal photos and videos appeared on social media showing gunmen engaged in clashes with passers-by in southern Israeli towns. The footage depicted confrontations in city streets and armed individuals in jeeps across the countryside.
According to the Reuters, a number of Israelis had been captured by fighters, with Hamas media sharing video footage showing a destroyed Israeli tank. Israel’s military acknowledged the reports of captives but provided no further details.
Israelis across the country—on Shabbat and the holiday of Simchat Torah—woke up to sirens sounding and Hamas firing rockets at them from Gaza this morning.
We will defend ourselves. pic.twitter.com/S9GN8fld4Y
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 7, 2023
Prime Minister Netanyahu‘s office announced plans to meet with top security officials, and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant authorized the call-up of reservists. In Gaza, rocket launches were audible, armed clashes took place along the separation fence with Israel, and significant movements of fighters were observed. Israel’s ambulance service dispatched teams to areas near Gaza, urging residents to remain indoors.
Εδώ βλέπουμε Παλαιστινιακά πιθηκια να έχουν πιάσει μια αμαχη Ισραηλινή και να την βάζουν σε αυτοκίνητο, φωνάζοντας "Αλλαχ ακμπαρ".
Μόνο και μόνο επειδή είναι Ισραηλινή.
Χρεος του Ισραηλ να ισοπεδώσει τη λωρίδα της Γάζας.Τίποτε άλλο #WeStandWithIsraelpic.twitter.com/RT75uB6f2g
— Ακροκεντρώος (@akrokentrwos_2) October 7, 2023
Moreover, Netanyahu said in a video message that Hamas will “pay a price it has never known” for the attack. He also addressed the citizens of the country, emphasizing that “we are at war – not in an operation, not in rounds – at war.”
Taliban Vows to Conquer Jerusalem
The Taliban, which currently governs Afghanistan, has reached out to neighboring countries Iran, Iraq, and Jordan, reportedly seeking their cooperation in granting passage to Israel. The stated objective of this request is to “conquer Jerusalem.” This move is concerning as it appears to align the Taliban with the goals of Hamas terrorists, potentially leading to an even more complicated geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
This evening, the foreign office contacted his counterparts in #Iran, Iraq and Jordan, asking for permission for our men to cross their sovereign territory on their way to the holy land. We are preparing and hoping for the good news from our neighbours.#Gaza #Israel #Palestine pic.twitter.com/ZuHTMeQc7q
— Taliban Public Relations Department, Commentary (@TalibanPRD__) October 7, 2023
Furthermore, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement expressing support for Palestine and calling for a cessation of hostilities. The statement emphasizes the need for international efforts to protect civilians and achieve a lasting peace in the Middle East.
Israel Declared a State of War in Respond to Hamas’ Attack
In response to the attacks, which have seemingly caught the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) by surprise, Israel has officially declared a state of war. The military issued a statement confirming that a number of terrorists had infiltrated Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip.
The statement also emphasized that the Israel Defence Forces were committed to safeguarding Israeli civilians. It also warned that the Hamas terrorist organization would face severe consequences for its actions. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides preparing for what could escalate into a significant conflict.
Greek embassy condemns attack on Israel
The Greek embassy in Israel has strongly condemned the rocket attacks on Israel, saying it stands with the country.
We strongly condemn today's launch of heavy rocket attacks against Israel. We stand with Israel.
— Greece in Israel (@GreeceInTelAviv) October 7, 2023
“We strongly condemn today’s launch of heavy rocket attacks against Israel. We stand with Israel,” the Greek Embassy in Tel Aviv wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. The message was reposted by the Foreign Ministry in Athens.
Greece strongly condemns today's launch of heavy rocket attacks from Gaza against Israel.
Greece stands with Israel and is deeply concerned by this unacceptable escalation of violence. pic.twitter.com/xQbrsgbBx0— Υπουργείο Εξωτερικών (@GreeceMFA) October 7, 2023
US President Showed Support to Israel
US President Joe Biden strongly condemned the surprise attack by Palestinian militants, emphasizing that “The United States stands with Israel.”
He categorically denounced terrorist attacks and expressed unwavering support for Israel’s security. Biden assured that the US would provide the assistance needed for Israeli citizens’ protection and their defense. Furthermore, he underlined that the country “has the right to defend itself and its people.”
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