Hamas militants broke through the security barrier in the Gaza Strip and attacked nearby Israeli towns
Fighting between Israeli forces and the Palestinian group Hamas intensified today. Hundreds were killed on both sides after an attack on Israel prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to warn they would “start a long and difficult war.”
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The bloodiest escalation of the conflict in decades saw Hamas launch a massive rocket barrage and a ground, air and sea offensive that killed more than 300 Israelis and wounded 1,000, according to the Israeli army. Gaza officials said intense Israeli airstrikes on the coastal enclave had raised the Palestinian death toll to at least 400 and injured nearly 1,700.
Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to avenge a “black day” for Israel. “The IDF (army) is about to use all its might to destroy Hamas’ capabilities. We will meet them to the bitter end and avenge by force this black day they have brought upon Israel and its people,” he said.
He called on Palestinians living near Hamas sites in Gaza to leave the Strip as he vowed to turn the hideouts into “rubble” after the surprise attack. “I say to the people of Gaza: Get out of there now, because we will act with all our might everywhere,” he said.
Israeli officials said about 100 soldiers and civilians were kidnapped by Hamas. “Terrorists went on a rampage, breaking into houses and massacring civilians. Hundreds had entered the country, hundreds are still fighting against troops in Israel,” said army spokesman Richard Hecht.
Hamas militants fired thousands of rockets, breaching the security barrier in the Gaza Strip and attacking nearby Israeli towns and military posts. They also opened fire on residents and passers-by. The group called its attack “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” and called on “resistance fighters in the West Bank” and in “Arab and Islamic countries” to join the fight. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said the group was “on the verge of a great victory.”
Hamas released images of several captured Israelis. Bodies lay strewn on the streets of the Israeli town of Sderot, near Gaza, and in cars, their windshields shattered by a hail of bullets.
In response to the deadly attacks, the Israel Defense Forces also declared its “war readiness.” The armed forces launched “Operation Swords of Iron” and attacked a number of targets in the Gaza Strip. “We have seen the face of evil. Hamas launched a criminal attack without distinguishing between women, children and the elderly. She will realize very quickly that she has made a serious mistake. We will change the face of reality in the Gaza Strip,” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in a video statement.
As the UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting today, US President Joe Biden expressed his “firm and unwavering” support for Israel and warned against “any other anti-Israel party seeking an advantage in this situation.”
The escalation follows months of increasing violence, particularly in the occupied West Bank, as well as tensions on the Gaza border and at disputed holy sites in Jerusalem.
The Indian Embassy in Israel has urged its citizens to remain vigilant and follow security protocols recommended by local authorities. “Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement and stay close to safety shelters,” an advisory said.
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