More than 20 people were killed and hundreds were injured in the largest attack on Israel by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas on Saturday. The unexpected incursion encompassed terrorists crossing into Israel and a barrage of missiles fired from Gaza.
As the army reported combat with militants in multiple Israeli cities and military bases close to Gaza, Israel said the Iran-backed organisation proclaimed war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to retaliate. In his words: "We are in a war and we will win it. Our enemy will pay a price the type of which it has never known".
The Israeli military claimed to have retaliated by attacking Gaza with airstrikes; there, witnesses claimed to have heard powerful explosions and seen numerous bodies being brought into hospitals.
It is important to note that Israel and Hamas had fought a 10 day war in 2021. But the incident today, was the first time ever that Hamas fighters crossed into Israel from the Gaza Strip, and it dealt Israel its worst blow in the conflict with the Palestinians since the Second Intifada's suicide bombings some 20 years ago.
Several Israeli soldiers were reportedly being held captive by the terrorist Islamic Jihad group, which claimed to have joined the attacks. Meanwhile, footage posted on Hamas social media pages appeared to show what appeared to be Israeli hostages being transported alive into Gaza.
In Gaza, many hurried to acquire supplies because they expected days of fighting. Many people left their homes and went to shelters.
In a broadcast on Hamas media, Mohammad Deif, the military chief of Hamas, called for Palestinians all over the world to battle and proclaimed the beginning of the operation.
He declared, "This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth," noting the launch of 5,000 rockets.
According to Israeli Defence Minister Gallant, "troops are fighting against the enemy at every location" and he has given the go-ahead for reservists to be called up.
ANTECEDENT TO THE ENSUING BATTLE
The violence between Israel and Palestinian militants in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which are both parts of the territory where Palestinians have long hoped to form a state, is on the rise.
It also occurs at a period of political turmoil in Israel, where efforts to reform the court have caused bitter splits, and as Washington tries to reach an agreement to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Thus, Hezbollah, a Lebanese organization supported by Iran, described the operation as a "decisive response to Israel's continued occupation and a message to those seeking normalization with Israel,"
Also, an advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei commended the attack's perpetrators calling them Palestinian fighters.
CONCLUSION
Some residents in Gaza expressed scepticism regarding the intrusion into Israel. One Gaza shopkeeper stated that she can't believe what is going on.
The assault happened a day after Israel celebrated the 50th anniversary of the war in 1973 that nearly resulted in a devastating loss when Syria and Egypt launched an unexpected offensive.
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