Gaza City: Israel is in a state of war after a surprise attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas from the Gaza Strip on Saturday (7 October). Hamas said it launched more than 5,000 rockets at Israel as part of ‘Operation Al-Aqsa Flood’, targeting cities and towns across the country. The rocket barrage caused widespread damage and panic, triggering warning sirens and fires. Israel said at least 22 people were killed and more than 700 were injured by the rockets.
Hamas also claimed that it had sent fighters into southern Israel, where they clashed with Israeli soldiers and civilians. Hamas said it had captured an Israeli army soldier and several other hostages. Israeli media reported that gunmen had taken over some kibbutzim and villages near the Gaza border and that residents were pleading for help.
Israel responded with a massive aerial and ground assault on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, calling it ‘Operation Iron Swords’. The Israeli army said it had struck 17 Hamas military compounds and headquarters, as well as tunnels and rocket launchers. At least four Palestinians were killed and five were wounded in the Israeli strikes, according to Palestinian sources.
The attack came amid a fragile truce between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United Nations. Hamas said it launched the operation to avenge the Israeli atrocities against the Palestinians over the decades. Israel said it would defend itself against the terrorist aggression and restore security to its citizens.
The escalation has raised fears of another full-scale war between Israel and Hamas, which have fought four wars since 2008. The United Nations, the United States, and other countries have called for an immediate end to the violence and a return to dialogue.
