The Israel and Hamas feud took a dangerous turn as Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Saturday morning through sea, land, and ariel routes. Israel responded with a heavy bombardment on the blockaded coastal enclave.
When the attacks were launched
The most significant escalation since Israel and Hamas engaged in an 11-day war in 2021 has been the Palestinian militant organization Hamas’s launch of “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” against Israel. While Israel confirmed that the group’s fighters had invaded its territory, Hamas claimed to have launched 5,000 rockets.
The organization launched attacks from land, sea, and the air, according to Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari. Hamas launched the first barrage of rockets at 06:30 AM (local time). Additionally, the Israeli military claimed to have begun “Operation Iron Swords” against the Hamas organization in the Gaza Strip.
Simchat Torah, a holiday that falls toward the end of the seven-day Jewish festival known as Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles, was the occasion of the early-morning attacks.
Attack locations
Tel Aviv in the north was reached by the missile fire. Additionally, Hamas dispatched troops into southern Israel. Israeli media reported that gunmen opened fire on bystanders in the town of Sderot, and videos circulating on social media claimed to show street brawls and gunmen driving about in jeeps. According to one story, Hamas fighters had taken over several Israeli settlements where civilians were pleading with their government for assistance.
However, in one video posted on the Islamic Channel, Hamas members were seen sheltering an Israeli woman and her child.
Numerous fighter jets were allegedly attacking Hamas locations in the Gaza Strip, according to the Israeli army. The Times of Israel said that the gunfights are currently occurring in and around the communities of Kfar Aza, Sderot, Sufa, Nahal Oz, Magen, Be’eri, and the Re’im military base.
Why did Hamas attack Israel?
According to Khaled Qadomi, a spokesman for Hamas, the organization’s military action is a response to all the crimes that Palestinians have endured over the years. “We demand that the world community put an end to the atrocities committed in Gaza against the Palestinian people and at our sacred places like Al-Aqsa. The beginning of this war was motivated by all of these things, he claimed.
Mohammed Deif, the military chief of Hamas, declared that “today is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on Earth” and added that 5,000 missiles had been fired.
“Everyone who owns a firearm should draw it. According to accounts, Deif said, “The moment has come.
In a statement published on Telegram, Hamas urged “our Arab and Islamic nations” as well as “the resistance fighters in the West Bank” to take up arms.
Casualties so far
At least 198 Palestinians were killed and more than 1,000 were injured, according to medical sources in Gaza. According to Israeli health officials, Hamas strikes have resulted in at least 100 Israeli deaths and 750 injuries.
Israel Government’s response
Israeli residents living close to Gaza have been advised by the Israeli army to remain inside or seek shelter.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims that his nation is engaged in a conflict that it “will win”.
Yoav Gallant, Israel’s minister of defense, asserted that Israel “will win this war.” He claimed that Hamas had committed a “grave error this morning and started a war against the State of Israel.”
Last update
In communities in southern Israel, security personnel and gangs of Palestinian fighters engaged in fire engagements, according to Israeli media. According to the head of the Israeli police, there are “21 active scenes” throughout southern Israel.
Israeli forces reportedly encircled a home in the Ofakim settlement, and negotiations with Palestinian fighters who are purportedly holding hostages are ongoing, according to Al Jazeera’s Walid al-Omari, bureau head in Ramallah.
All kindergartens and schools in Israel will remain closed on Sunday, according to the Israeli Ministry of Education, broadening a previously announced decision. Israel’s energy minister, Israel Katz, claims to have given the go-ahead for the blockaded enclave’s electricity supply to be stopped.