Title: Hamas Attacks Israel, Triggering Deadly Conflict: What We Know So Far
Subtitle: Israeli Prime Minister Declares State of War as Casualties Mount
Date: October 8, 2023
[Image: A salvo of rockets was fired by Palestinian militants from Gaza City toward Israel on October 7, 2023. MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images]
In a shocking turn of events on Saturday, the ruling Hamas militant group launched an unprecedented and coordinated attack on Israel, leaving the country reeling in the deadliest assault it has experienced in decades. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, “we are at war,” as the nation grappled with the aftermath of the devastating attack.
The Hamas militants fired thousands of rockets at Israel, while dozens of fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border by air, land, and sea. The assault caught Israel off guard during Simchat Torah, a joyous Jewish holiday marking the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle. The multi-front attack on Israel resulted in at least 250 fatalities and hundreds more wounded, according to Israel’s national emergency service.
As of Sunday, the death toll among Israelis rose to at least 350, with 1,800 individuals reported injured. The scale of the attacks has devastated communities across Israel, making it one of the bloodiest episodes in recent history.
In response to the assault, the Israeli military confirmed that Hamas extremists have taken “dozens” of Israeli civilians and soldiers hostage in the Gaza Strip. This act marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The targeted attacks were carried out in as many as 22 locations outside of Gaza, where Hamas militants gunned down both civilians and soldiers. Israel’s military scrambled to formulate a response as the militants continued their assaults.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to use the full strength of the Israeli military to dismantle Hamas’ capabilities. However, he cautioned that the conflict would be protracted and challenging.
Gunbattles continued late into Saturday night, with hostage standoffs reported in two towns. In a third town, militants occupied a police station, prompting Israeli forces to engage in a battle to reclaim the building, which lasted until Sunday morning.
The violence persisted into Sunday as militants launched more rockets from Gaza, striking a hospital in the Israeli coastal town of Ashkelon. While the hospital sustained damage, there were no immediate reports of casualties. Israeli airstrikes in Gaza also intensified after nightfall, resulting in the destruction of residential buildings, including a 14-story tower housing numerous apartments and Hamas offices in central Gaza City.
The international community has voiced its concern over the escalating violence. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the Hamas attacks and emphasized the need for maximum restraint, highlighting that violence cannot provide a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Guterres reiterated the importance of negotiation leading to a two-state solution for achieving lasting peace.
Leaders across the United States have expressed solidarity with Israel. President Joe Biden pledged unwavering support for Israel, stating that the United States stands with the Israeli people in the face of these orchestrated acts of terrorism. The president has been in contact with King Abdullah II of Jordan and other regional leaders to address the situation.
New York Mayor Eric Adams condemned the attacks, calling them cowardly and assuring the city’s Jewish community of enhanced security measures. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin affirmed the United States’ commitment to Israel’s right to self-defense and offered condolences to the families affected by the brutal attacks.
This grave assault on Israel by Hamas has sent shockwaves around the world. As the conflict continues to escalate, it remains imperative for all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians and pursue peaceful negotiations as the only viable path forward.
Sources:
– Israel’s national emergency service
– Palestinian health officials
– AFP via Getty Images
– Barzilai Medical Center
– White House
– Mayor Eric Adams
– Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin
– Rep. Patrick McHenry
– National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson