Israel has officially declared war on Hamas as it grapples with the aftermath of Saturday’s devastating surprise attack by the Islamist militant group. This declaration sets the stage for a significant military operation in Gaza as fighting spills over onto Israeli territory, resulting in hundreds of Israeli casualties.
The shocking terror attack, which occurred after months of escalating violence between Palestinians and Israelis, has plunged the region into uncharted and perilous territory. Questions are now emerging regarding how Israeli military and intelligence apparatus were seemingly caught off guard, marking one of the country’s most significant security lapses.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed retaliation, asserting that Israel is prepared for “a long and challenging war.” He has urged Palestinians residing in Gaza to evacuate immediately.
Throughout Saturday and into Sunday, Hamas launched thousands of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, causing significant damage, including strikes on Tel Aviv. Simultaneously, armed terror groups infiltrated Israel, targeting military bases, towns, farms, and taking hostages. The death toll in Israel, resulting from Saturday’s attack by Hamas, is expected to exceed 500, with over 2,000 reported injuries, according to CNN analysis and the Israeli health ministry.
Israel has responded with airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza and ground clashes with Hamas fighters in various locations. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have engaged in efforts to clear terrorists from Israeli communities and regain control.
Israeli warplanes have continued to strike Gaza, with the IDF reporting 426 targets hit, including 10 Hamas towers. Drones were also used to target terrorist squads in the vicinity of Gaza.
In Gaza, the Palestinian health ministry has reported at least 370 deaths and over 2,200 injuries, including 20 fatalities and 121 wounded children.
A significant challenge for Israel’s response is the capture of a “significant number” of Israeli nationals by Hamas, who are now being held as hostages across Gaza. This includes soldiers, civilians, children, and elderly individuals.
As the situation unfolds, the IDF is focusing on evacuating communities near the Gaza security fence, searching for remaining Hamas militants and securing breaches in the fence.
Israelis have been sharing photos of friends and family allegedly abducted by Hamas militants, many of them women and children. These incidents have further escalated tensions in the region, and pleas for the release of hostages have been made.
The surprise attack by Hamas marks a significant turning point in the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the international community is closely monitoring the situation. Western states have condemned the attack, while Arab nations, including those considering normalizing relations with Israel, have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
United States President Joe Biden has voiced unequivocal condemnation of the assault by Hamas on Israel and expressed support for Israel’s security. Saudi Arabia, in the midst of talks with the U.S. on potentially normalizing relations with Israel, has called for an end to the escalation.
