In a shocking turn of events, the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas launched a major assault on Israel, marking one of the largest attacks in years. The surprise assault involved a combination of gunmen infiltrating Israeli towns and a barrage of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip. Israel, labeling Hamas as Iran-backed, characterized the attack as a declaration of war.
As the conflict unfolded, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate with determination, stating, "Our enemy will pay a price the type of which it has never known. We are in a war and we will win it." The toll on the Israeli side has been grim, with at least 22 people killed and over 250 wounded, according to Israel's ambulance service, with expectations of the numbers rising.
Israel responded with air strikes into Gaza, resulting in reports of heavy explosions and casualties on the Palestinian side. The attack is noteworthy for an unprecedented infiltration by Hamas gunmen into Israel from Gaza, marking a significant escalation in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Reports emerged of militants holding Israelis hostage in the town of Ofakim, as well as gun battles between Palestinian fighters and security forces in southern Israeli towns. Israel's police chief indicated the extent of the attack, mentioning "21 active scenes" in southern Israel.
In anticipation of prolonged conflict, Gaza residents rushed to stock up on supplies, with some evacuating their homes for shelters. Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif announced the operation's commencement, urging Palestinians to join the fight, declaring it "the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth" and claiming the launch of 5,000 rockets.
The last major confrontation between Israel and Hamas had occurred in a 10-day war in 2021. The current escalation unfolds against a backdrop of rising violence between Israel and Palestinian militants in the West Bank, while political turmoil simmers within Israel, exacerbated by divisions over judicial reforms. Additionally, Washington has been working towards a deal to normalize ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group, characterized the operation as a decisive response to Israel's continued occupation and a message to those pursuing normalization with Israel.
Reports of Israelis being taken captive emerged, with Hamas media displaying videos of purported Israeli soldiers' bodies and Palestinian gunmen in Israeli homes and towns, further intensifying the gravity of the situation.
As the conflict continued, rocket launches from Gaza and armed clashes near the separation fence with Israel were reported. Israel's ambulance service dispatched teams to areas near Gaza, cautioning residents to remain indoors. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group also declared its fighters were joining Hamas in the attack.
In Gaza, there was disbelief at the infiltration into Israel, with one shopkeeper describing it as "like a dream." This assault occurred on the heels of Israel commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1973 war, a pivotal moment in the country's history.
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