Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war on Saturday as Palestinian militants based in Gaza launched an unexpected attack. They fired a deadly barrage of rockets and sent armed individuals into Israeli territory, resulting in a sudden escalation of the long-standing conflict. This incident occurred on the 50th anniversary of the 1973 War, a significant historical reference in this enduring conflict.
According to Israel's Magen David Adom emergency rescue service, the attack has caused at least 22 casualties and over 250 injuries. Approximately 2,200 rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel, while militants infiltrated southern Israel's border. Hamas, the Palestinian militant group responsible for the attack, claimed to have captured Israeli soldiers, although this hasn't been confirmed by Israel's military. In response, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) targeted several Hamas locations in Gaza and initiated the mobilization of thousands of reservists.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has pledged a significant response, emphasizing that Hamas will face unprecedented consequences. Israeli citizens living near Gaza have been advised to stay in their homes or seek shelter. This unforeseen development marks a troubling moment in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the situation evolving rapidly and causing widespread concern.
