‘We Are at War’ says Israel’s Netanyahu After Hamas Attack
The militant Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip executed an unprecedented and multifaceted assault on Israel. They launched thousands of rockets while dozens of Hamas fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border at multiple points, taking the country by surprise during a major holiday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war in Israel and urgently called for the mass mobilization of army reserves. This invasion stirred memories of the 1973 war, occurring almost exactly 50 years later.
The Israeli military confirmed that Hamas militants were holding Israeli civilians and soldiers hostage in Gaza, although the exact number of hostages remained undisclosed. This marked a significant escalation in the conflict.
The military verified Hamas’ claims that their fighters had kidnapped several Israelis after infiltrating Israel’s heavily fortified separation fence and penetrating Israeli communities in the south of the country. However, the army did not provide further details on Saturday. Social media was inundated with videos depicting Hamas fighters dragging lifeless Israeli soldiers and parading captured civilians through the streets of Gaza.
Hamas claimed to be holding “dozens” of Israeli soldiers captive in the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s opposition leader, Yair Lapid, proposed the formation of an emergency government with Netanyahu. In a statement, Lapid revealed that he had met with Netanyahu on Saturday and suggested that the prime minister replace his far-right coalition with a broad unity government consisting of centrist parties. Lapid argued that Netanyahu could not effectively manage a war with his current partners, emphasizing the need for a professional, experienced, and responsible government. He believed such a coalition would convey a message of unity against Israel’s enemies.
During a major Jewish holiday on Saturday, Hamas militants launched a surprise attack, firing thousands of rockets and sending dozens of fighters into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip. Israel declared itself at war with Hamas and initiated airstrikes in Gaza.
Israel’s national rescue service reported at least 70 casualties, with hundreds more wounded in the surprise attack by Hamas. This marked the deadliest attack on southern Israel by Hamas in years. The wounded were being evacuated using ambulances, mobile intensive care vehicles, and helicopters to various hospitals.
In response, Israel’s retaliation in the Gaza Strip resulted in at least 198 casualties, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza.
An Israeli army spokesperson confirmed that fighting was ongoing in 22 locations in southern Israel, approximately 12 hours after the surprise attack by Hamas from the Gaza Strip. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated that Israel was conducting airstrikes in Gaza and indicated that ground operations were imminent. Hagari also confirmed hostage situations in the towns of Ofakim and Beeri, a development previously acknowledged by both the Israeli military and Hamas.
The UN peacekeeping force deployed along the Lebanon-Israel border closely monitored the situation in Israel. They maintained a presence along the border to ensure stability and prevent escalation.
Iran’s parliament members began their session on Saturday by chanting “Death to Israel” and “Israel will be doomed, Palestine will be the conqueror.” Iranian state TV showed numerous parliament members gathering in the center of the parliament chamber.
Saudi Arabia called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Israel and the Gaza Strip following the unprecedented Hamas attack. Saudi Arabia has long supported the Palestinians and advocated for a two-state solution based on Israel’s 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.
The United States had been engaged in negotiations to secure Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic recognition of Israel, which could entail increased American security assurances and extensive aid to its nuclear program.
Mikhail Bogdanov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister and former ambassador to Israel and Egypt, stated that Moscow had been in contact with “all parties of the conflict, including Arab countries,” and urged an immediate ceasefire and peace between Hamas and Israel. However, Bogdanov did not specify which Arab states Russian diplomats had engaged with.
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