Israel ‘At War’ with Hamas: Dozens Dead, Hundreds Injured

October 7,2023 – Israel has officially declared a state of emergency and initiated extensive military operations against Hamas militants, marking the country’s shift into a state of war. The declaration comes in response to a relentless rocket barrage that struck multiple areas in southern and central Israel.

The devastating attacks have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 40 lives, while hundreds have been wounded, according to updates from emergency responders released late this afternoon.

The Israeli Defense Forces sounded a “state of war” alert shortly after midnight local time on Saturday in reaction to a “massive” wave of rocket attacks originating from Gaza. An estimated 2,200 rockets were launched in the assault, and there were reports of several incursions into Israeli territory from the southern region.

Hamas militants managed to infiltrate multiple locations within Israeli territory, prompting a swift response from the military, which urgently instructed residents in the south and central areas of the country to seek shelter in protected areas.

Rockets relentlessly pounded cities across Israel, including Tel Aviv, Rishon Lezion, Holon, and Bat Yam. Emergency sirens also repeatedly wailed in Jerusalem during the morning onslaught.

In retaliation, the Israeli military initiated “Operation Swords of Iron,” described as a “large-scale operation aimed at defending Israeli civilians against the combined attack launched by Hamas this morning.”

“Since this morning, the State of Israel has been at war,” stated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a Security Cabinet meeting. “Our first objective is to eliminate the hostile forces that have infiltrated our territory and restore security and calm to the communities under attack.”

source: The Gaurdian

Netanyahu added that a secondary goal was to “extract a significant cost from the enemy within the Gaza Strip as well,” and a third objective was to reinforce other fronts to prevent unintended involvement in the conflict.

The Israeli Air Force deployed “dozens” of fighter jets to target Hamas positions in multiple locations throughout the Gaza Strip, as confirmed by IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari. Video footage of an Israeli air attack on a “terrorist cell” near the Erez border crossing was shared online by the IDF.

As of 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, the IDF reported having attacked 17 military compounds and four operational headquarters belonging to the Hamas organization within the Gaza Strip.

Hagari also revealed that additional forces, including special units and senior commanders, had been dispatched to the south. The Gaza Division was to be divided into multiple centers, each under the leadership of a senior commander, in order to respond effectively. Tens of thousands of reservists would be called up as necessary.

Local media outlets have indicated that Hamas is holding “dozens of hostages” in an Israeli kibbutz, a communal settlement, located in the southern part of the country.

A White House spokesperson issued an unequivocal statement condemning the “unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians.” National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson emphasized, “There is never any justification for terrorism” and expressed unwavering support for Israel.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has been in contact with Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, and Washington continues to maintain close ties with its Israeli partners.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that he is closely monitoring the situation in Israel and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Israel’s right to self-defense. He extended his condolences to the families of the victims.

Aston added that U.S. military forces would ensure that Israel receives the necessary support to protect its citizens from indiscriminate violence and terrorism.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conveyed his shock at the attacks by Hamas and affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense. He stated that British nationals in Israel should follow travel advice, while British Defense Minister James Cleverley unequivocally denounced Hamas as terrorists, emphasizing the brutality of their rocket attacks targeting civilians.