7-10-2023 (JERUSALEM) The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel on Saturday (Oct 7), combining armed gunmen infiltrating Israeli towns with a heavy barrage of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip.
As warning sirens blared across southern and central Israel, including in Jerusalem, the Israeli military declared a state of war readiness, and the defence minister warned that Hamas, backed by Iran, had made a grave error by declaring war on Israel.
The Israeli military responded by launching airstrikes into Gaza, resulting in reports of intense explosions from witnesses on the ground.
This attack marks an alarming escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Hamas fighters infiltrating Israel from Gaza, leading to casualties. According to Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, at least two Israelis have been killed, and dozens more are wounded.
Israeli media reported gun battles between Palestinian fighters and security forces in southern Israeli towns. The police chief of Israel stated that there were “21 active scenes” in southern Israel, indicating the extent of the attack. In anticipation of prolonged conflict, residents in Gaza rushed to purchase supplies and sought refuge in shelters.
Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif announced the start of the operation through a broadcast on Hamas media, calling on Palestinians everywhere to join the fight. He proclaimed, “This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth,” and claimed that 5,000 rockets had been launched.
The previous major confrontation between Israel and Hamas was a 10-day war in 2021.
Reports emerged of Hamas militants infiltrating homes in Israeli towns, with one woman named Dorin pleading for help as they attempted to breach her bomb shelter. Israeli Defence Minister Gallant stated that Hamas had “launched a war against the State of Israel” and confirmed that Israeli troops were engaged in combat with the enemy.
#WATCH | A missile launched by Hamas from Gaza strikes a residential area in Israelpic.twitter.com/SQdHX3c9d9
— VOZ (@Voz_US) October 7, 2023
The Israeli military confirmed that its forces were operating inside Gaza but provided no further details. Residents in areas surrounding the Gaza Strip were instructed to remain in their homes.
Gunmen were reported to have opened fire on civilians in the southern Israeli town of Sderot, as depicted in footage circulating on social media. Additionally, videos released by Hamas media purported to show the bodies of Israeli soldiers brought into Gaza by fighters, as well as Palestinian gunmen inside Israeli homes and jeeps traversing an Israeli town.
Reports of Israelis being taken captive by fighters emerged, and Hamas media shared video footage allegedly showing a destroyed Israeli tank. The Israeli military acknowledged the reports but did not provide further information.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that he would convene with top security officials, and Defence Minister Gallant authorized the call-up of reservists.
In Gaza, the sound of rocket launches filled the air, and residents reported armed clashes along the separation fence with Israel near the southern town of Khan Younis. Witnesses also observed significant movement of armed fighters.
Israel’s ambulance service dispatched teams to areas near Gaza in southern Israel, and residents were advised to remain indoors.
A group representing military reservists who had initially planned to refuse training in protest of the government’s plans to overhaul the judiciary called on reservists to report for duty.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group announced that its fighters were joining Hamas in the attack, expressing solidarity with the Qassam Brigades until victory was achieved.
In Gaza, residents expressed disbelief at the infiltration into Israel. One shopkeeper remarked, “It is like a dream. I still can’t believe it.”
This attack occurred on the heels of Israel commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1973 war, which brought the country to the brink of catastrophic defeat in a surprise attack by Syria and Egypt.
