Hamas launches large scale attack on Israel, death toll rising

SDEROT – In a significant escalation of the Israel-Palestinian conflict, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a major and unexpected attack on Israel on Saturday.

Thousands of rockets were fired from Gaza, and ground units were sent to carry out attacks and abductions. Israel retaliated with airstrikes.

The attack has already resulted in a significant loss of life.

At least 40 people were reported killed in Israel, and Gaza authorities reported a death toll of 198, making it the deadliest escalation since May 2021.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, “We are at war.”

Israel responded with airstrikes on targets associated with Hamas, which is backed by Iran.

Netanyahu vowed that Hamas would “pay an unprecedented price” for their actions.

The surprise attack began at around 6:30 am, with thousands of rockets targeting towns and cities in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Some rockets evaded the Iron Dome defense system, hitting buildings.

Hamas fighters employed various means, including vehicles, boats, and even motorized paragliders, to breach Gaza’s security barrier and attack nearby Israeli towns and military posts.

Gun battles ensued, and frightened residents sought refuge in bunkers.

International concern is mounting, and there are fears that the situation may escalate further, with civilians on both sides at risk.

The latest violence follows months of rising tensions between Israeli forces and Palestinians, particularly in the occupied West Bank, as well as along Gaza’s border and at disputed holy sites in Jerusalem.

Hamas named its attack “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” and called on resistance fighters in the West Bank and other Arab and Islamic nations to join the battle.

As of now, the conflict continues to unfold, with rockets still being fired from Gaza and Israel responding with airstrikes.

International leaders are calling for an immediate ceasefire and expressing concern about the potential for a wider and more destructive conflict.

The situation remains fluid, and the death toll is expected to rise as the conflict continues.