According to Israeli officials, Palestinian militants have launched a surprise attack on Israel, infiltrating the country by air, sea, and land from the blockaded Gaza Strip on Saturday. At least 40 Israelis have been confirmed dead, with hundreds injured, as reported by the media outlet Times of Israel by early afternoon. More casualties were reported from the Gaza border communities as gun battles continued to rage between the IDF and terrorists, who were observed freely roaming in various areas, reported the outlet.
The attack has been described as a major escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the country is “at war”.
The Palestinian group Hamas has claimed responsibility for the attack, which involved thousands of rockets fired as far north as Tel Aviv and fighters sent into southern cities near the border. Israel has responded with heavy bombardment of the blockaded coastal enclave and has begun striking Hamas targets . The Israeli army says dozens of fighter jets are carrying out attacks on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip .
The situation is rapidly evolving, and it is unclear how it will develop. However, it is known that at least 40 Israelis were confirmed killed and hundreds wounded in Israel as a result of the attack . At least four Palestinians have also been killed and five are wounded in confrontations between the Israeli army and Palestinian groups in the border area of the Gaza Strip.
Israel is ‘at war’ – Isreli Prime Minister Netanyahu
After Hamas launched a devastating attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the situation in Tel Aviv, Israel, stating that the country is now engaged in a state of war. He expressed determination to impose an unparalleled retaliation upon the terror group.
“Citizens of Israel, we are ‘at war’. Not an operation, not a round [of fighting,] at war! This morning Hamas initiated a murderous surprise attack against the state of Israel and its citizens,” Netanyahu said in his video statement in Hebrew.
This is a developing story, and we will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
(With inputs from agencies)
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