In a shocking turn of events, Palestinian militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, utilizing land, air, and sea tactics. Fighters infiltrated Israel’s southern region, while rockets rained down from the Gaza Strip, leaving death and destruction in their wake. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly responded to the attack, declaring, “We are in a war, not an operation, in a war.” In a video posted on social media, he ordered strikes on Gaza and called for an extensive reserve mobilization.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly responded to the attack, declaring, “We are in a war, not an operation, in a war.” In a video posted on social media, he ordered strikes on Gaza and called for an extensive reserve mobilization.
The toll of the attack has already been significant, with the Israeli rescue service Magen David Adom reporting at least 22 casualties. Additionally, they treated hundreds of other victims, leading to concerns that the death toll may rise significantly. Graphic but unverified videos and photos shared on social media underscore the severity of the situation. In Gaza, six Palestinians lost their lives due to shelling and gunfire, as reported by the Palestinian news agency WAFA. The militant group Hamas, which governs Gaza, claimed responsibility for the operation, dubbing it “Al-Aqsa Flood.” This marked a major escalation in hostilities.
Mohammed Deif, the elusive leader of Hamas’s military wing, issued a recorded message rallying Palestinians to join the fight, stating, “Enough is enough.” He declared it the “day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth” and claimed that 7,000 rockets had been launched. However, these claims could not be independently verified by NBC News. As the situation intensified, Israel’s security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, declared a state of civil emergency, granting police additional powers for raids and arrests. Checkpoints and heightened security measures were implemented across the country, particularly on highways and roads. In Tel Aviv, residents rushed to donate blood for the injured, while bomb shelters were opened as a precautionary measure. These developments followed weeks of escalating tensions along the Gaza border and heavy fighting in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, highlighting long-standing grievances over the treatment of Palestinians.