Israeli security forces rescue civilians held hostage by an extremist group
Ziad alNakhala, the leader of Islamic Jihad, an armed Islamist extremist group, said this Sunday (8) that he had kidnapped more than 30 hostages.
On Saturday (7), Hamas, another armed Islamist extremist group, attacked Israel on several fronts. It was a surprise attack from Gaza into Israeli territory. Israel’s top military spokesman called the attack “the worst massacre of innocent civilians in Israel’s history.” Hundreds of people were killed. In response, Israel also carried out bombings against the Gaza Strip on Saturday. According to the Israeli Defense Forces, the targets are locations linked to Hamas.
Islamic Jihad is another organization, but occasionally it and Hamas undertake joint actions.
Islamic Jihad’s AlNakhala said the hostages would not be repatriated until “all our prisoners are released.” He refers to Palestinians in Israeli prisons.
The Israeli government said around 100 people were kidnapped by Hamas militants.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Palestinian leaders said it was not known for certain how many hostages were kidnapped, but that they were all “in safe locations” in the Gaza Strip. An official who did not want to be named said the number was something he said “several dozen.”
The hostages include a French woman, a Mexican couple and, according to the US Secretary of State, also Americans.
1 of 1 Israel declares war after Hamas attack Photo: Reproduction/ GloboNews Israel declares war after Hamas attack Photo: Reproduction/ GloboNews
What has happened so far
On Saturday (7) Hamas carried out a major operation to try to retake areas. A senior commander in the group even said that more than 5,000 rockets had been fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel.
Sirens were heard in several parts of Israel, including in major cities such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The attacks hit buildings and vehicles and caused damage in several regions of the country.
Hamas gunmen entered Israeli territory by land and sea in the southern region of the country. International agencies reported that these men shot people on the streets.
There are also reports of dozens of Israeli residents being taken hostage in the Gaza Strip.
After the offensive, the Israeli prime minister called an emergency meeting and launched Operation Iron Swords, promising a response to Hamas.
The Israeli government has urged citizens to follow safety instructions. It is recommended to stay near protected spaces.
Israel also received support from authorities in the United States and the European Union. President Joe Biden said Americans are ready to offer “all appropriate means of assistance.”