JERUSALEM, Israel – A deadly attack occurred as Hamas militants launched a surprise assault on Israeli towns from the blockaded Gaza Strip during a major Jewish holiday. This unprecedented attack involved the gunmen taking hostages and killing dozens, prompting Israel to respond with airstrikes in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the country is now at war with Hamas and vowed to inflict an “unprecedented price” in retaliation.
The militants, armed with rockets, infiltrated as many as 22 locations outside the Gaza Strip, up to 15 miles from the Gaza border, engaging in gun battles with Israeli forces as civilians and soldiers fell victim to their attacks. The conflict led to the death of at least 250 people in Israel and 232 in the Gaza Strip, with numerous others wounded. Meanwhile, Hamas took an unknown number of civilians and soldiers captive into Gaza.
As the situation escalated, airstrikes intensified in Gaza, with residential buildings being flattened in giant explosions, and a hospital in the Israeli coastal town of Ashkelon being hit.
Netanyahu, in a televised address, warned that the war with Hamas would be difficult and prolonged, adding that Israel would destroy Hamas’ capabilities by turning all their hiding places into ruins. Amid the chaos, the Israeli military issued warnings for residents of Gaza border communities to evacuate as Israel made preparations for a potential ground assault into Gaza.
U.S. President Joe Biden expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself in the face of these attacks. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia called for restraint from both sides, cautioning against the danger of the situation exploding further due to the continued occupation and deprivation of legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
The attack comes at a time of division within Israel over proposed judicial changes and mounting tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, with the peace process effectively stalled for years. The conflict also highlights the ongoing violence in the occupied West Bank and the flaring of tensions around a flashpoint Jerusalem holy site.
As the conflict unfolded, Palestinians protested in towns and cities around the West Bank. The chaotic and devastating events have left both Israelis and Palestinians on edge, with no end to the cycle of violence in sight.