NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — At least 22 Israelis killed and hundreds injured, officials say, after militants from Gaza enter Israel in unprecedented attack.
Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group, launched a major attack on Israel on Saturday, resulting in a significant escalation of violence in the region. Here are the key developments:
- Surprise Assault: Hamas carried out a surprise assault that involved a combination of gunmen penetrating into Israeli towns and a barrage of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip. The attack is one of the most serious escalations in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in years.
- Israeli Casualties: At least 22 Israelis have been killed in the attack, with more than 250 wounded. Israel’s ambulance service expects the casualty toll to rise.
- Israeli Response: Israel has declared that Hamas has declared war and confirmed fighting with militants in several Israeli towns and military bases near Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation, stating, “We are in a war and we will win it.” Israel launched air strikes into Gaza in response to the attack.
- Hostages and Clashes: There are reports that militants are holding Israelis hostage in the town of Ofakim. Gunbattles have been reported between Palestinian fighters and security forces in towns in southern Israel. Israel’s police chief indicated the extent of the attack, mentioning “21 active scenes” in southern Israel.
- Gaza Preparations: In anticipation of days of conflict, people in Gaza rushed to buy supplies, and some evacuated their homes to head for shelters. Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif announced the start of the operation, calling on Palestinians to fight.
- Previous Flare-up: The last major flare-up between Israel and Hamas was a 10-day war in 2021.
- Reservists Called: Israeli Defence Minister Gallant authorized the call-up of reservists, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
These developments highlight the renewed and significant hostilities between Hamas and Israel, with both sides preparing for further conflict. The situation remains highly volatile, and international efforts to de-escalate tensions are crucial.
A video is circulating on social media that suggests an elderly Israeli woman may have been abducted. The IDF has not yet confirmed the report.
Full updates of the security situation here: https://t.co/ziAvxoMpS3
Video credit: Unknown pic.twitter.com/5AbF9QEtXA
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) October 7, 2023
BREAKING: Israeli settlers flee southern Israel as Gaza resistance fighters invade the settlements. pic.twitter.com/VrAcmEBkD4
— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) October 7, 2023
Mosques in Jerusalem are inciting war against Israel. pic.twitter.com/sCBhiTwcdd
— Hananya Naftali (@HananyaNaftali) October 7, 2023
Imported cars are burning in Ashkelon port
The Palestinian Resistance rockets have inflicted heavy damage to the Zionists in different areas of the occupied Ashkelon. pic.twitter.com/xGShxUxfuc
— IRNA News Agency (@IrnaEnglish) October 7, 2023
https://twitter.com/i/status/1710595177734189472
JUST IN – Israel’s defense minister has announced the Hamas militant group has started a war against Israel amid infiltrations from paragliders, sea, and ground.https://t.co/mUiV88jioR
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) October 7, 2023
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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