The militant Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip have launched a highly coordinated attack on Israel, targeting multiple locations and catching the country off-guard on a major holiday. This has led to a state of war being declared by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has called for a mass mobilization of army reserves. The attack has triggered memories of the 1973 war, which occurred almost 50 years ago to the day.
In response to the attack, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has announced that the country will cut off supplies of electricity, fuel, and goods to Gaza. This decision has plunged much of Gaza into darkness as electrical supplies from Israel, which provides the majority of the power to the territory, have been severed. Netanyahu has also declared that the first phase of the counter operation against Hamas has been completed, with the majority of militants being successfully repelled. He has vowed to continue the offensive without reservation and without a break.
The attack by Hamas has also had a significant impact on air travel, with over 80 flights to and from Tel Aviv being canceled by various airlines. This accounts for approximately 14% of all scheduled flights to the city. Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Lufthansa are among the carriers that have had to cancel flights due to the unprecedented attack.
The death toll in Israel has risen to at least 250 people, making this the deadliest attack in the country in decades. In the Gaza Strip, at least 232 people have been killed and 1,700 wounded in Israeli strikes. The militants have also taken civilians and soldiers captive into Gaza, which is a deeply sensitive issue for Israel. Among those killed in Israel is Lt. Col. Jonathan Steinberg, a senior officer who commanded the Nahal Brigade, a prominent infantry unit.
The Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, has spoken to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging an immediate halt to the violence. Saudi Arabia has been in talks with the White House regarding potential diplomatic relations with Israel, but this unprecedented attack by Hamas has put those efforts into question.
In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed revenge following the surprise Hamas attack. He has stated that the war against Hamas will take time, and the Israeli military will use all of its strength to destroy the group’s capabilities. Netanyahu has also emphasized that a heavy price will be extracted if any harm comes to the Israeli hostages that Hamas has taken.
King Abdullah II of Jordan has called for intensified international efforts to stop the escalation of violence between the Palestinians and Israel. He has spoken to President Joe Biden about this issue, stressing the need for restraint and the protection of civilians, as well as respect for international humanitarian law.
The Al-Azhar al-Sharif mosque in Cairo, a seat of Sunni learning, has expressed solidarity with the Palestinians following the surprise attack by Hamas. The mosque has criticized the international community for its double standards in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington has announced the opening of an Israel Crisis Fund to meet the urgent needs of Israelis affected by the attack. CEO Gil Preuss has stated the importance of mobilizing the Jewish community to stand against the ongoing terror in Israel.
In New York City and Los Angeles, mayors and rabbis have condemned the Hamas attack. Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson in New York acknowledged the fear and concern caused by the attack, and Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz in Los Angeles urged congregants to call their elected representatives to show support for Israel.
According to the rescue service Zaka, the attack by Hamas has resulted in at least 200 Israelis being killed and 1,100 wounded.
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