Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a state of war after dozens of terrorists infiltrated Israeli borders and launched rockets into the country. The attack was claimed by Hamas, who fired thousands of rockets from the Gaza Strip into various locations in Israel, including Jerusalem. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) declared a state of alert and reported that terrorists had infiltrated from the sea, air, and ground. By 5:30 p.m., around 3,000 rockets had been fired toward Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting of security officials and stated that “we are at war,” vowing that the enemy will pay an unprecedented price. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant approved the mobilization of reservists and declared that Israel will win this war.
The attack by Hamas is an unparalleled incursion into Israel and the most intense attack the country has faced in years. Hamas military leader Mohammad Deif announced the offensive in a broadcast, urging Palestinians to fight and claiming that over 5,000 rockets targeted Israel within the first 20 minutes of the attack. In response, Israel launched retaliatory strikes in Gaza, and the sounds of explosions could be heard as anti-rocket defenses were deployed.
The IDF urged civilians near Gaza to seek shelter, as terrorists breached the Gaza Strip blockade and stormed neighboring Israeli communities. Reports emerged of terrorists shooting at pedestrians and houses in the southern Israeli town of Sderot, while videos circulated on social media showing street clashes and terrorists driving jeeps in rural areas. Residents described constant gunfire and missile sounds, causing fear and panic. Terrorists took control of homes in the Israeli town of Netiv HaAsara.
According to the Magen David Adom, Israel’s national rescue service, at least 70 people have been killed and hundreds are wounded in the attack by Hamas. The rescue service urged the public to heed Israeli authorities’ safety directives. Israel views the attack on Jerusalem as a major escalation and holds Hamas responsible. The IDF named their operation against Hamas “Operation Swords of Iron.” The Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist group announced that they would join Hamas in the attack.