In an unprecedented and deadly surprise assault of immense proportions, Gaza militants executed a simultaneous infiltration into several Israeli towns and military encampments early Saturday. The Israeli military reported that over 2,000 rockets were launched from Gaza towards central and southern Israel, resulting in numerous Israeli casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a video statement in front of Israel’s military headquarters, declaring, “We find ourselves in a state of war.”
Mohammed Deif, the prominent Hamas militant commander, issued a call for a broader regional conflict in response to the Israeli “profanation” of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. This reference pertained to the presence of Jewish religious ultranationalists who had visited the holy site, also known in Judaism as the Temple Mount, during a recent Jewish holiday.
Commencing at 6:30 a.m. local time, Palestinian militants within the besieged Gaza Strip initiated a coordinated offensive against Israel. They utilized various means, including paragliders, maritime routes via the Mediterranean Sea, and ground-based approaches, as outlined by Israeli military spokesperson Richard Hecht during a press briefing.
A prolonged confrontation ensued between Israeli forces and Palestinian gunmen within at least five southern Israeli communities near Gaza, which encompassed the town of Sderot, as well as the kibbutz communities of Nahal Oz, Beeri, Magen, and Kfar Aza. Additionally, two Israeli military camps in the vicinity became focal points of the ongoing conflict. “We recognize the gravity of this situation,” expressed Hecht.
The prime minister also issued orders for the military to reclaim the infiltrated towns from Hamas militants, who were engaged in intense gunfights with Israeli soldiers.
The Department of State issued this statement today, The United States unequivocally condemns the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel, including civilians and civilian communities. There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks. We will remain in close contact with our Israeli partners. The United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself.
Israel reported a death toll of at least 40 people, with hospitals in Israel treating hundreds of wounded individuals, including dozens in critical condition.
Israel has blown up another high-rise building along the Gaza Strip. Hideouts of Hamas terrorists. pic.twitter.com/LTQICsYrgW
— BALA (@erbmjha) October 7, 2023
On Saturday, Hamas launched thousands of rockets at Israel and sent dozens of fighters across the heavily fortified border, a significant display of force that took Israel by surprise on a major holiday.
The substantial incursion on Simchat Torah brought back memories of the 1973 war, almost 50 years to the day, when Israel’s adversaries launched a surprise attack on Yom Kippur.
Canada strongly condemns the current terrorist attacks against Israel. These acts of violence are completely unacceptable. We stand with Israel and fully support its right to defend itself. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this. Civilian life must be protected.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 7, 2023
Trigger warning: Hamas terrorists kidnapped an Israeli young woman earlier today.
Hamas = Isis.
Same ideology, different names.
The footage coming out of southern Israel makes this absolutely clear. pic.twitter.com/DV1buYx2Br
— Israel ????? ?? (@Israel) October 7, 2023
Reuters news outlet reported, Iran’s state television showed parliament members rising from their seats to chant “Death to Israel.” Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani spokesperson was quoted by ISNA as saying: “In this operation, the element of surprise and other combined methods were used, which show the Palestinian people’s confidence in the face of the occupiers.”
Drawing parallels to one of the most distressing moments in Israeli history heightened criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right allies, who had campaigned for a more aggressive response to threats from Gaza. Political commentators heavily criticized the government for failing to anticipate what seemed to be a highly coordinated and planned Hamas attack.
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