In a shocking escalation of violence, Hamas militants from Gaza infiltrated southern Israel, resulting in the reported death of 300 individuals. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has cautioned Israelis to brace themselves for a “long and difficult war.”
The Onslaught Begins
Early on Saturday, during the Jewish Sabbath and festival of Simchat Torah, Palestinian militants breached the Gaza perimeter fence, launching a massive assault on Israel. Employing motorbikes, paragliders, and sea routes, they stormed into the nation. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) estimated the militants to be in the high hundreds, while over 3,000 rockets were fired across Israel throughout the day.
Lt Col Jonathan Conricus of the IDF detailed the brutality of the attacks, stating that militants went “door to door, house to house,” executing Israeli civilians in their homes. Some were then abducted and taken into Gaza, including women, children, the elderly, and the disabled.
Israel’s Response
In retaliation, Israel has launched airstrikes targeting “operational infrastructure” in Gaza. The Israeli Air Force has been active, especially in southern Lebanon, responding to mortar attacks on Israeli positions in the disputed Mount Dov/Shebaa Farms area. The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for these attacks, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian resistance.
The Israeli government has also decided to cut off electricity, fuel, and goods supplies to Gaza.
International Reactions
US President Joe Biden expressed America’s unwavering support for Israel, condemning the attacks orchestrated by Hamas. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed his horror at the reports of civilians being attacked and abducted. The UK’s Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, also condemned the attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians.
However, Saudi Arabia has called for an immediate de-escalation, emphasizing the dangers stemming from the “continued occupation” and the deprivation of the Palestinian people’s rights.
A Region on Edge
The situation remains tense, with Israel warning of a potential ground operation in Gaza. The IDF has mobilized tens of thousands of reservists in preparation. The violence has also spilled over into the West Bank, where confrontations with Israeli forces have resulted in Palestinian casualties.
Hamas’s military commander, Mohammed Deif, has urged Palestinians everywhere to join their operation, emphasizing their intent to put an end to Israeli offenses. Ghazi Hamad, a Hamas spokesman, revealed that the group received direct backing from Iran for the attack.
As the region teeters on the brink of an all-out war, international communities are closely watching, hoping for a swift resolution and an end to the bloodshed.
Also learn about Palestinian Militants Launch Surprise Assault Inside Israel, Escalating Tensions and Singapore Denounces Terror Attacks on Israel, Urges for Peace.
