Netanyahu says Israel is at war after Hamas launches multi-front assault

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Over the weekend, Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is currently engaged in a state of war due to Hamas' recent attack. Hamas launched a significant barrage of rockets and sent militants across the border from the Gaza Strip, making it the largest attack on Israel in quite some time.

During a TV announcement while Palestinian fighters engaged in gunfire with Israeli troops in various parts of southern Israel, the leader proclaimed that he had directed for a large number of additional forces to be deployed, and that Israel would retaliate with greater force than the opposing side has ever seen.

He further stated that the foe will bear an unparalleled consequence.

The recent increase in hostilities marks the gravest instance of violence since Israel and Hamas engaged in an 11-day military conflict last year. This occurrence comes after several weeks of mounting tensions along the Gaza border, which has remained under blockade by Israel and Egypt since Hamas seized control of the area in 2007.

During the celebration of Simchat Torah, an unexpected assault occured which seemed to have caught the military by surprise. This circumstance now presents a considerable difficulty for the current far-right administration led by Netanyahu, who assumed power last year with key members pledged to enhance the security of Israel.

The leader of Hamas's military branch, Mohammed Deif, stated that his group had launched over 5,000 rockets at Israel. He urged fellow Palestinians and Arab nations to support their cause and participate in the conflict.

The military of Israel reported that militants came into Israel by using paragliders, crossing the sea, and entering through the land, all occurring at different fronts. They informed that various fights were happening around Gaza, including at a military base.

According to Richard Hecht, who speaks for the Israeli military, there are ongoing battles taking place in various parts of Gaza such as the Erez crossing, Nahal Oz and the Re'im Camp, which is the main headquarters for the Gaza division.

The Israeli military reacted by bombing Hamas points in Gaza after a recent attack. They also announced that they are enlisting numerous reservists to join them. Additionally, they are keeping an eye on the northern border of Israel where militants fired rockets, causing a similar conflict earlier this year.

Paramedics from Israel reported that a woman lost her life due to a rocket strike, and 15 others were injured, with two of them being in critical condition.

Hamas shared a video that can't be immediately confirmed, suggesting that many Israelis were harmed. At present, there isn't any news about casualties from Gaza.

According to sources from Palestinian media, some Israelis were kidnapped by militant groups. A spokesperson from the Israeli army confirmed that there were people injured or killed, but they were unsure of the exact number. The army spokesperson chose not to make any statements regarding the claims of hostage taking.

The launching of rockets from Gaza activated alert systems all throughout the southern and central areas of Israel. The missiles were directed towards major cities such as Ashkelon and Tel Aviv, causing warning alarms to sound off. The explosions from the missiles being intercepted could even be heard in Jerusalem, which is not frequently targeted by missile strikes from Gaza.

A smaller militant group known as Islamic Jihad claimed that they have joined the fighting. The military has blocked off the roads around Gaza and has instructed individuals located in the coastal enclave to seek shelter and remain inside.

The conflict marks the end of 18 months of growing tensions between Israel and Palestine, with sporadic instances of violence occurring in both Gaza and the West Bank. The West Bank is seen by Palestinians as the central location for their future state, but it has been under Israeli control since 1967.

Based on the newest data provided by the UN, excluding the most recent conflicts on Saturday, Israeli forces have caused the death of 212 Palestinians in the current year, whereas Palestinians have caused the deaths of 30 Israelis.