JERUSALEM (AP) — In a shocking and unprecedented turn of events, Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip during a major Jewish holiday, resulting in dozens of casualties and leaving the country in a state of shock. This surprise early morning incursion, which took place on Simchat Torah, a day of joy and celebration for Jews, has revived painful memories of the 1973 Mideast war.
The attack, carried out by Hamas fighters who used sophisticated tactics and explosives to breach the border fence, caught Israel off guard. The militants infiltrated Israeli communities using motorcycles, pickup trucks, paragliders, and speed boats. The scenes that unfolded were haunting, with dead Israeli civilians and Hamas militants seen on the streets of Israeli towns.
The assault has escalated into a full-blown conflict, with Israel launching airstrikes in Gaza and vowing to inflict an unprecedented price on Hamas. The Israeli national rescue service reported that at least 70 people were killed and hundreds wounded in the attack, making it the deadliest attack in Israel in years. Additionally, an unknown number of Israeli soldiers and civilians were seized and taken into Gaza, which adds to the sensitivity of the situation.
The retaliation from Israel has resulted in the deaths of at least 198 people in the Gaza Strip and over 1,610 wounded, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The situation is rapidly intensifying, with the fear that it will mirror previous conflicts between Israel and Hamas, causing widespread death and destruction.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the country is now at war with Hamas, emphasizing that this is not just an “operation” or a “round,” but a full-scale war. He promised that the enemy would pay an unprecedented price, and Israel would respond with a magnitude of force that Hamas has not experienced before.
The leader of Hamas’ military wing, Mohammed Deif, released a recorded message stating that the attack was in response to the blockade of Gaza, Israeli raids in the West Bank, violence at Al Aqsa, increasing attacks by settlers on Palestinians, and the growth of settlements. Deif called on Palestinians across the region to join the fight, declaring that the people are regaining their revolution.
The infiltration of fighters into southern Israel has caused panic among Israeli residents, forcing them to take shelter. The rockets launched by Hamas militants have reached as far as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, causing air raid sirens to sound constantly.
As the situation escalates, there are growing concerns about the implications of this conflict. Israel’s failure to anticipate and prevent the attack has led to criticism of Netanyahu and his government. Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, an Israeli army spokesman, admitted that they were caught off guard and unable to explain how Hamas managed to surprise them.
The international community has condemned the incursion and expressed support for Israel. The United States, in particular, condemned the attacks and extended their condolences for the lives lost. Saudi Arabia called for restraint from both sides and emphasized the dangers of the situation escalating further.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has reached a critical point, with the potential for further devastation and loss of life. The coming days and weeks will determine the course of this war and its lasting impact on the region.
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