Israel is in the midst of one of the worst terrorist attacks in recent history as Gaza-based Hamas launched launched multi-pronged assault. At least 40 Israelis were killed and 800 wounded early morning Saturday as Hamas fighters infiltrated Israeli southern border after firing more than 2000 rockets.
The Jerusalem Post reported that “some 2,200 rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory. Simultaneously, there were several infiltrations into Israeli territory in the southern part of the country.”
Hamas claimed it had taken more than 50 Israeli soldiers and civilians hostage in wake of the cross-border attack, TV channel i24NEWS reported. Unconfirmed clips on Twitter reportedly showed Hamas fighters carrying away kidnapped Israelis.
The Israeli news website Ynet reported details of the early morning attack:
Israelis are believed to have been taken hostage in at least two communities near the Gaza border where IDF special forces laid siege. Hamas claims at least 35 Israelis were captured and transported into the Palestinian enclave. At least 130 wounded, some in critical condition, arrived at Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva.The IDF reported that from 6:30 on Saturday morning, 2,200 rockets were launched into Israel, as terrorists infiltrated across the Gaza border via land, sea and air gliders.The military declared a war alert. Hamas in Gaza initiated the assault with an intensive rocket barrage targeting southern and central Israel, including Tel Aviv and other metropolitan areas. This was followed by multiple breaches of the Gaza border and infiltrations into southern Israeli communities.Social media posts from Gaza depict hundreds of Hamas forces reportedly pouring into Israel. Homes in Netiv Haasara were torched by terrorists who are holding residents hostage, encountering only local security squads and no military presence. Israeli media reports residents have expressed feelings of abandonment.
While the reports are yet to be confirmed, Hamas released a graphic video showing supposedly kidnapped Israeli solders and civilians.
Local media reports suggest that the cross-border attack is still ongoing, and terrorist intruders were on the loose in at least one southern Israeli community.
The Times of Israel reported of an ongoing hostage situation:
An ongoing hostage situation is reported by Hebrew-language media in the southern city of Ofakim, some 20 kilometers from the border with the Gaza Strip.Some reports say several Hamas terrorists have been killed by Israeli forces there.
Israel Defense Forces announced “Operation Swords of Iron” as Gaza-based Hamas declares all out war. The Israeli TV channel i24News reported:
Rockets have targeted several cities, including Tel Aviv, Rishon Lezion, Holon, and Bat Yam. Jerusalem also heard sirens multiple timesThe Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have declared a state of alert for war as tensions escalate following a barrage of rocket attacks by the Hamas terrorist organization from Gaza.The situation is rapidly unfolding, with multiple significant developments.Early this morning, sirens warning of incoming rockets were heard in central and southern Israel, including areas surrounding Gaza. Sirens warning of incoming rockets were heard in central and southern Israel, including areas surrounding Gaza.Rockets have targeted several cities, including Tel Aviv, Rishon Lezion, Holon, and Bat Yam. Jerusalem also heard sirens multiple times.In addition to the rocket attacks, the IDF reported that several terrorists infiltrated Israeli territory from Gaza. As a result, residents in the affected areas have been advised to remain in their homes.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation and announced that his country was in state of war with Palestinian terrorists and reservists cross the country have been mobilized in response.
“Israel is at war. This is not a so-called military operation, not another round of fighting, but war,” he said. “I have also ordered an extensive reserve recruitment and the mobilization of forces to counter back with forcefully in a manner the enemy has never known… We are at War. We will win.”
Disturbing clips and images circulating on Twitter show Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank celebrating the deadly attacks. Hamas terrorists were seen parading the bodies of murdered Israeli soldiers amid chants of Allahu Akbar.
Iran-backed Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah terrorist group said that the attacks were in ‘response’ to proposed normalization of diplomatic ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
The Jerusalem Post reported:
Hezbollah issued a statement on Saturday saying they were closely following the situation in Gaza and are in “direct contact with the leadership of the Palestinian resistance”.Following events involving Gaza militants who fired a barrage of rockets into Israel, the statement added that it was a “decisive response to Israel’s continued occupation and a message to those seeking normalization with Israel.”
Palestinian in Jerusalem rioted after hearing the news of deadly terror attacks. “Clashes between Palestinians and IDF troops break out in East Jerusalem’s Silwan Neighborhood,” the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY