Netanyahu Declares State of War as Hamas Launches Unprecedented Attack on Israel

In a startling turn of events, the ruling Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip executed a meticulously coordinated and unprecedented multi-front attack on Israel early Saturday morning. Thousands of rockets rained down on the country, while Hamas fighters, astonishingly, infiltrated the heavily fortified border through air, land, and sea, catching Israel off-guard during a major holiday.

Six hours into the invasion, Hamas militants continued to engage in gun battles within several Israeli communities, showcasing a surprising display of strength that reverberated throughout the nation.

Social media platforms were flooded with videos of Hamas fighters parading what appeared to be commandeered Israeli military vehicles through the streets. In a chilling scene, an Israeli soldier was seen dead within Gaza, surrounded by an impassioned crowd of Palestinians chanting “God is Great.” The military refrained from disclosing specific details about casualties or kidnappings as the conflict persisted.

In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu solemnly proclaimed, “We are at war.” He announced a mass mobilization of the country’s army reserves, emphasizing that this was not merely an ‘operation’ or a ’round,’ but a full-fledged war.

He added, “The enemy will pay an unprecedented price,” promising that Israel would respond with firepower that the enemy had never witnessed before.

This grave invasion on Simchat Torah, a traditionally joyous day when Jews complete their annual cycle of reading the Torah scroll, invoked haunting memories of the 1973 Mideast war, nearly 50 years ago. During that conflict, Israel faced a surprise attack on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

The comparison to one of Israel’s most traumatic moments intensified criticism of Netanyahu and his far-right allies, who had campaigned on a platform of more aggressive action against Gaza threats. Political commentators lambasted the government for failing to anticipate this meticulously planned and coordinated attack by Hamas.

Magen David Adom, the Israeli rescue service, reported at least 16 casualties, including the tragic death of a woman in her 60s from a direct rocket hit. Two others were in serious condition. Reports of casualties on both sides circulated, but specific details remained undisclosed. Israeli media reported dozens of hospitalizations in southern Israel. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza acknowledged injuries among its citizens, without specifying numbers.

In response to the approximately 2,500 rockets fired from Gaza, the Israeli military launched strikes in Gaza. The air raid sirens echoed as far north as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) away. The Israeli army engaged in gunfights with Hamas militants who had infiltrated Israel at multiple locations, breaching the separation fence by land, air (using paragliders), and sea.

The motive behind Hamas’ attack remains unclear, coming after weeks of escalating tensions along the Gaza border. The shadowy leader of Hamas’ military wing, Mohammed Deif, announced the operation in a recorded message, calling on Palestinians from east Jerusalem to northern Israel to join the fight.

In a separate televised address, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant cautioned that Hamas had made “a grave mistake” and assured that “the state of Israel will win this war.”

This attack unfolded against the backdrop of heightened internal divisions within Israel. Protests erupted over Netanyahu’s proposal to overhaul the judiciary, with hundreds of thousands of Israelis taking to the streets and military reservists refusing volunteer duty. These developments raised concerns about the military’s readiness and its ability to deter threats.

The infiltration of Hamas fighters into southern Israel marked a significant escalation that forced millions of Israelis into safe rooms, seeking refuge from rocket attacks and ongoing clashes with Hamas militants. Cities and towns emptied as roads near Gaza were closed. Both Israel’s rescue service and the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza appealed for blood donations.

“We understand that this is something big,” said Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, an Israeli army spokesman, acknowledging the unprecedented nature of the situation. He declined to elaborate on how Hamas had managed to surprise the army, calling it a valid question.

Ismail Haniyeh, the exiled leader of Hamas, framed the attack as a heroic operation to defend the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Residents in Nahal Oz, near the Gaza Strip, reported ongoing gunfire echoing off buildings, even hours after the initial attack. One resident, Mirjam Reijnen, expressed a unique fear of terrorists walking among communities compared to rocket attacks, where the Iron Dome missile defense system offered some sense of safety.

Israel’s extensive border fence with Gaza, equipped with advanced technology, failed to prevent this audacious infiltration. This attack unfolded after weeks of escalating tensions along the Gaza border and intense fighting in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. It occurred at a fragile moment for Netanyahu’s government, marred by divisions and protests within the military ranks.

Hezbollah, a longstanding adversary of Israel, congratulated Hamas for the attack, describing it as a response to “Israeli crimes” and asserting divine support for the militants. Hezbollah’s involvement added another layer of complexity to the situation.

This assault took place in the context of Israel’s ongoing blockade of Gaza since 2007, a policy that has severely impacted the territory’s economy. Israel argues that the blockade is necessary to prevent the buildup of militant arsenals, while Palestinians view it as collective punishment.

The rocket barrage coincided with intense fighting in the West Bank, where Israeli military operations have resulted in casualties among Palestinians. The situation has fueled tensions and prompted celebrations among militants and residents in the northern West Bank.

As Israel faces multifaceted threats, internal divisions, and a rapidly evolving conflict, the nation finds itself at a critical juncture with no easy path forward.

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More about Israel-Hamas Conflict

• Hamas Executes Unprecedented Attack on Israel
• Israeli Prime Minister’s Response
• Casualty Reports from the Conflict
• Internal Divisions within Israel
• Hezbollah’s Involvement