Tel Aviv: At least 198 people have been killed in Palestines Gaza, while 40 lost their lives in Israel after more than 5,000 rockets were launched by the militant group Hamas in a surprise attack, media reports said.
Israel has declared war on Hamas and initiated airstrikes in response to this fierce attack.
Hamas militants infiltrated Israel from Gaza amidst intense rocket fire, killing at least 40 people. There are reports of several Israelis were kidnapped and taken back to Gaza as hostages. In retaliation, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of 198 people, according to Palestinian officials, reported BBC.
This massive rocket barrage from Gaza, the largest attack by Hamas on Israel in recent years, started early on Saturday during the Jewish Sabbath and the festival of Simchat Torah.
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
Hamas launched the biggest attack on Israel in years, killing at least 40 people and wounding hundreds in a surprise assault that combined gunmen crossing into Israel with a barrage of rockets fired from Gaza https://t.co/kDnWvqmkWY pic.twitter.com/EhccI6Kt1a
Reuters (@Reuters) October 7, 2023
As alarms blared across Israel, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that terrorists had entered Israeli territory at multiple locations, BBC reported.
Residents of towns near Gaza have been reaching out to Israeli news outlets, reporting that they are confined to their homes as militants have entered their communities, the report said.
In Sderot, a town situated merely 1.6km (1 mile) from Gaza, online footage seems to show a group of heavily armed Palestinian militants in black attire driving through Sderot in a pickup truck. In one video, these same militants appear to be engaging in gunfire with Israeli forces on the streets, according to BBC.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is in a state of war, emphasizing that Hamas will face unparalleled consequences. Citizens of Israel, we are at war. This is not an operation, not an escalation – this is war. And we will win. Hamas will pay an unprecedented price, he said in a video message.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
Citizens of Israel,
We are at war, not in an operation or in rounds, but at war. This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early morning hours. pic.twitter.com/C7YQUviItR
Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 7, 2023
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Hamas made a grave mistake in launching a war against Israel. Hamas has made a grave mistake this morning and launched a war against the State of Israel. IDF troops (Israeli army) are fighting against the enemy at every location, Gallant said in a statement.
??Swords of Iron??
The IDF is initiating a large-scale operation to defend Israeli civilians against the combined attack launched against Israel by Hamas this morning. pic.twitter.com/O2fuWjFvNb
Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 7, 2023
More than 5,000 rockets were launched towards Israel, with blaring sirens resonating throughout the country on this celebratory holiday morning.
NEW: Hamas is currently going on a killing spree, murdering men, women and children in Israel and parading dead bodies around.
This is the most serious escalation between Israel and Hamas since the 10-day war in 2021.
The attack from Hamas, who is funded by Iran, comes just pic.twitter.com/Paxe5eyD27
Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 7, 2023
The nations defence forces also claimed an incursion by Hamas militants, whom they label as terrorists.
Visuals from Israel revealed the use of paragliders in the assault, along with reports of firing at passing cars on the roads.
The Indian embassy in Israel has advised its citizens residing there to stay vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines recommended by local authorities.
Please exercise caution, avid unnecessary movement and stay close to safety shelters, it said in an advisory.
