Netanyahu Declares: ‘We are at war’
In the early hours of Saturday, Israel was caught off guard by an unprecedented attack. The ruling Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip launched a surprise attack, firing thousands of rockets and infiltrating the heavily fortified border in several locations by air, land, and sea.
This audacious assault, which Hamas has dubbed ‘Al-Aqsa Storm,’ has left Israel reeling and the world watching in shock.
The attack was meticulously planned and executed. Hamas militants infiltrated Israeli territory, sparking gun battles in several communities. Social media videos suggested that Palestinian gunmen had carried out kidnappings. The audacity of the attack was further underscored by its timing – it took place on a major holiday, catching the country off guard.
The toll of this audacious assault has been devastating. At least 40 people in Israel were killed, with hundreds of others being treated in hospitals. The woman in her 70s in Kfar Aviv in the Gderot region, previously described as critically injured, has died. Two other people in the Ashkelon area are lightly injured.
In response to this unexpected onslaught, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is at war. He and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant are conducting security assessments at the Israel Defense Forces headquarters in Tel Aviv.
The Israeli military confirmed launching strikes on targets in the Gaza Strip as air raid sirens blared in Jerusalem following Hamas’ announcement of a new operation against Israel. Israel also informed that several Palestinian militants have infiltrated into many cities and asked residents to remain indoor.
The international community has reacted with alarm to this sudden escalation of conflict. The United States expressed solidarity with Israel, stating, “There is never any justification for terrorism” .
This attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. It is not only likely to be the worst intelligence failure since the 1973 Yom Kippur war but rarely, if ever, has Israel lost control of its own towns.
Hamas’ audacious assault serves as a stark reminder of the volatility of the situation in the Middle East. It underscores the urgent need for dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further escalation and loss of life. As the world watches with bated breath, one can only hope for a swift resolution to this conflict.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow as information becomes available.