War Erupts as Palestinian Militants Launch Land, Air, and Sea Attack on Israel.
- Israel says 100 dead 740 injured.
- Palestinian Officials say : 198 dead,1600 Hurt.
In a shocking turn of events, Palestinian militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, utilizing land, air, and sea tactics. Fighters infiltrated Israel’s southern region, while rockets rained down from the Gaza Strip, leaving death and destruction in their wake.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly responded to the attack, declaring, “We are in a war, not an operation, in a war.” In a video posted on social media, he ordered strikes on Gaza and called for an extensive reserve mobilization.
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The toll of the attack has already been significant, with the Israeli rescue service Magen David Adom reporting at least 22 casualties. Additionally, they treated hundreds of other victims, leading to concerns that the death toll may rise significantly. Graphic but unverified videos and photos shared on social media underscore the severity of the situation.
In Gaza, six Palestinians lost their lives due to shelling and gunfire, as reported by the Palestinian news agency WAFA. The militant group Hamas, which governs Gaza, claimed responsibility for the operation, dubbing it “Al-Aqsa Flood.” This marked a major escalation in hostilities.
Mohammed Deif, the elusive leader of Hamas’s military wing, issued a recorded message rallying Palestinians to join the fight, stating, “Enough is enough.” He declared it the “day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth” and claimed that 7,000 rockets had been launched. However, these claims could not be independently verified by NBC News.
As the situation intensified, Israel’s security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, declared a state of civil emergency, granting police additional powers for raids and arrests. Checkpoints and heightened security measures were implemented across the country, particularly on highways and roads.
In Tel Aviv, residents rushed to donate blood for the injured, while bomb shelters were opened as a precautionary measure. These developments followed weeks of escalating tensions along the Gaza border and heavy fighting in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, highlighting long-standing grievances over the treatment of Palestinians.
The Israeli military confirmed infiltrations near the Gaza barrier in southern Israel and issued orders for residents to remain indoors. Israel has constructed a robust fence along the Gaza border equipped with advanced surveillance technology, aiming to prevent such infiltrations.
The blockade imposed on Gaza by Israel and Egypt since Hamas seized control in 2007 has exacerbated the region’s economic challenges. While Israel argues it is necessary for security, Palestinians view it as collective punishment.
These sudden hostilities come at a critical juncture as Israel seeks to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia through U.S. mediation. Any escalation in the conflict could jeopardize this delicate process.
Furthermore, violence continues in the West Bank, where Israeli military raids have resulted in casualties, including civilians. Palestinian attacks on Israeli targets have also claimed lives in 2023, further escalating tensions.
The surprise attack by Palestinian militants evokes memories of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, marking a grim milestone in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The situation remains fluid and will be closely monitored by the international community.