Israel faces 'long, difficult war' after Hamas attack from Gaza
View: The facts regarding Israel's attacks confirmed by BBC
The military of Israel has issued a warning that fighters belonging to Hamas, who came from Gaza, are still battling within Israel following their incursion into southern towns and causing the deaths of approximately 250 individuals.
The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, has communicated to the citizens that they will be embarking on a warfare that will be challenging and prolonged.
Many armed attackers spontaneously entered southern Israel, causing harm to both soldiers and innocent citizens while also abducting what the military described as a considerable amount of people and bringing them to Gaza.
Israel reacted by launching aerial bombings.
Palestinian health authorities have reported that over 200 individuals died. Gazans were sent messages from Israel advising them to evacuate their residences and relocate to city centers or seek safety in shelters during the night.
During an overnight communication, the leader of Israel declared that they did not choose to enter the war, but rather, it was ignited by a deadly assault conducted by Hamas. The initial phase of the conflict will conclude shortly, as the majority of militants situated within Israeli territory will soon be eliminated. The intention is to bring security back to the Israeli population, and ultimately emerge victorious.
Additionally, the Israeli authorities stated that they would cease the provision of electricity, fuel, and commodities to Gaza.
The start of Israel's worst case scenario unfolded on a Saturday, during the Jewish Sabbath and festival of Simchat Torah. This nightmare involved Palestinian militants who were armed and roaming around the southern part of the country.
A group of armed individuals pierced the border fence that separates Gaza from Israel. They entered the country through various means such as motorcycles, paragliders, and the sea. According to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesman, there were a large number of militants, possibly in the hundreds. At the same time, a massive amount of over 3,000 rockets were launched across Israel throughout the day.
According to Lt Col Jonathan Conricus, they assaulted numerous Israeli neighborhoods and IDF installations, and they conducted a thorough search of each house by going from door to door.
Israeli innocent citizens were cruelly and brutally killed in their own homes, and then they abducted Israeli civilians and military officials to Gaza. These victims included women, children, the elderly, and those with disabilities.
Alarming footage has surfaced depicting Israeli citizens frantically fleeing from a festival in the desert, as well as women being forcibly taken and transported away.
View: Revellers remember extremist assault The devastating terrorist attack that occurred during a festive celebration in the city has left a lasting impression on the people who were in attendance. Several party-goers who witnessed the event have come forward to recount the horrifying experience. According to eyewitnesses, a group of heavily armed militants stormed the venue and opened indiscriminate fire. Panic and chaos ensued as people scrambled to take cover and flee for their lives. The assailants detonated several explosive devices, causing widespread destruction and carnage. Despite the terror that unfolded, several individuals risked their own safety to help others. Many used their bodies to shield loved ones or assist strangers in finding safety. As a result of their selfless actions, numerous lives were saved. In the aftermath of the attack, security forces responded quickly to the scene and engaged in a gun battle with the militants. The assailants were eventually neutralized, but not before causing significant damage and loss of life. The memories of that fateful night continue to haunt those who were present, leaving a deep emotional scar. However, the courage and bravery exhibited by those who rose to the occasion serve as a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
Residents of Israel reported to the media that they were feeling very frightened and staying inside their homes to keep safe. A village called Netiv HaAsara shared that 15 of its locals were killed by members of Hamas.
A person living in Sderot named Shlomi reported witnessing a large number of people along a road within the town, which he referred to as a "sea of bodies."
Over time, the Israeli armed forces started to regain authority over the majority of the southern settlements. According to Israeli media, the hostages who were confined in the dining area of Kibbutz Be'eri were released after 18 hours. Later on, it was reported that soldiers had saved hostages in Ofakim, and the assailants who were keeping them captive had been fatally wounded.
The American leader, Joe Biden, expressed his country's unwavering and strong backing for Israel amidst the attacks conducted by a terrorist group.
The military faction of Hamas reported that they had captured more Israelis than just a handful. In fact, they claim to have apprehended high-ranking military personnel as well.
According to officials, over 1,500 individuals were injured in Gaza by the conclusion of Saturday, while another 1,500 were wounded in Israel.
The military stated that they will deliver a response to the extreme violence exhibited by Hamas that has never been seen before.
Many reserve soldiers have been called up and are anticipated to carry out a land mission in Gaza.
Last Saturday, Hamas radio stations located on the rooftop of the Palestine Tower in downtown Gaza City were destroyed by Israeli strikes. The Tower, which had 11 floors, was also demolished.
According to the Israeli air force, it has attacked "military infrastructure in two multi-level buildings which were utilized by senior members of Hamas involved in terrorist activities". The occupants were given prior notice to evacuate the premises before the strike.
On Saturday, there were incidents of violence in multiple areas throughout the West Bank. According to Palestinian medical personnel, Israeli forces were involved in confrontations resulting in the deaths of six Palestinians due to gunfire.
The leader of the military faction of Hamas, Mohammed Deif, has urged all Palestinians to take part in the group's mission.
"We have resolved to bring these Israeli transgressions to a close with divine assistance, so that our foes comprehend that they can no longer cause destruction without consequence," he declared.
According to Ismail Haniyeh, who leads Hamas in exile, Palestinian groups are planning to escalate the ongoing conflict by spreading violence into areas of the West Bank and Jerusalem currently under Israeli occupation.
In the meantime, Ghazi Hamad, who is a spokesperson for Hamas, informed the BBC that the terrorist organization received direct support for the assault from Iran.
Mahmoud Abbas, who serves as the Palestinian President and is in opposition to Hamas politically, stated that Palestinians have the entitlement to protect themselves against the threats posed by settlers and occupation forces - which he referred to as terror.
The Hamas attacks have received severe criticism from the global community.
The Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, expressed his shock and dismay upon receiving news that civilians were forcibly removed and assaulted from their homes. Similarly, the United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, publicly denounced the atrocious acts committed by Hamas against innocent Israeli civilians.
But Saudi Arabia demanded an urgent stop to the increase in violence. They stated that they had given several warnings about the risks associated with the ongoing occupation and the denial of Palestinians' lawful entitlements.
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