Surprising and Unprecedented: Hamas Launches Bold Attack on Israel during Holiday; WH Condemns!

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  • Source: Wayne Dupree
  • 10/07/2023
In a surprising turn of events, the ruling Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip launched a highly unusual attack on Israel early Saturday morning. This attack involved the firing of numerous rockets and the infiltration of dozens of fighters across the heavily fortified border. What made this attack particularly unexpected was the timing, as it occurred during a major holiday, catching Israel off guard. The attackers utilized various means of entry, including air, land, and sea, making it a multi-faceted assault.

After the commencement of the invasion, Hamas militants continued engaging in gun battles within various Israeli communities for several hours. This unexpected display of strength had a profound impact on the nation. According to Israel's national rescue service, a devastating attack has resulted in the loss of at least 22 lives and left hundreds of individuals injured. This tragic incident stands out as the deadliest attack to have occurred in Israel in recent years.

At the Soroka Medical Center located in Beersheba, a city in southern Israel, a significant number of casualties are currently receiving treatment. The medical center has reported that there are at least 280 individuals who have been admitted for medical care. Among these patients, 60 are classified as being in serious condition, requiring immediate and intensive medical attention. The Barzilai Hospital, located in Ashkelon and in close proximity to Gaza, has reported that it is currently providing medical care to a total of 182 individuals who have sustained injuries. Among these patients, 12 are classified as being in critical condition, requiring immediate and intensive medical attention.

No official statement regarding the casualties in Gaza was provided. However, the Associated Press reporters were present during the funerals of 15 individuals who lost their lives, and they also observed the arrival of eight additional bodies at a nearby hospital. The distinction between fighters and civilians was not immediately evident.

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Numerous videos circulating on social media depicted Hamas fighters showcasing what seemed to be Israeli military vehicles that had been allegedly seized. Additionally, one distressing video captured the sight of a deceased Israeli soldier being dragged and trampled by a group of enraged Palestinians, who were fervently chanting "God is Greatest."

The videos that have been recently released by Hamas depict what appears to be the capture of at least three Israeli individuals. As the military remains engaged in combat against the infiltrators, they have chosen not to disclose specific information regarding casualties or kidnappings.

In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a significant announcement, stating that the nation is currently engaged in a state of war. As a result, he declared a large-scale mobilization of the country's armed forces. The situation can be described as being at war, rather than simply an operation or a round.

In his statement, he emphasized that the enemy would face severe consequences, emphasizing that Israel would retaliate with a level of force that the enemy has not previously experienced.

Simchat Torah, a day of celebration in the Jewish calendar, was marred by a significant invasion that brought back haunting memories of the 1973 Mideast war. This invasion occurred almost half a century after Israel's enemies launched an unexpected assault on Yom Kippur, the holiest day for Jews.

Critics of Netanyahu and his far-right allies have intensified their disapproval, drawing parallels to one of the most distressing events in Israeli history. These critics argue that Netanyahu and his allies, who had advocated for a more assertive approach towards the threats emanating from Gaza, have fallen short of expectations. The government faced severe criticism from political commentators for its perceived lack of foresight in relation to a highly organized and coordinated Hamas attack, which took them by surprise.

In response to approximately 2,500 rockets that triggered air raid sirens as far north as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, which are approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) away, the Israeli military conducted strikes on targets in Gaza. According to the statement, the armed forces were involved in confrontations with Hamas militants who had managed to enter Israel in multiple areas, resulting in gunfights taking place. According to the army, the fighters managed to cross the separation fence and infiltrate Israel using paragliders.

The Israeli TV recently aired a video showing a series of explosions that caused significant damage to the Gaza-Israel border fence. Subsequently, the footage depicted individuals who seemed to be Palestinian gunmen entering Israel on motorcycles. In addition, it has been reported that the gunmen made their entrance using pickup trucks.

The reasons behind Hamas' decision to initiate the attacks were not immediately evident, as such actions typically involve extensive premeditation spanning several months.

In recent times, the Israeli government, which leans towards the far-right, has significantly increased the construction of settlements in the occupied West Bank. This has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of Palestinians due to acts of violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers. Additionally, tensions have escalated surrounding a significant holy site in Jerusalem.

The commencement of "Operation Al-Aqsa Storm" was declared by Mohammed Deif, the enigmatic leader of Hamas' military division. The Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem holds significant religious importance as the third holiest site in Islam. It is situated on a site that is considered the most sacred by Jews, who commonly refer to it as the Temple Mount.

In a recorded message, Deif, a figure who is not publicly visible, expressed his sentiment that the current situation has reached its limit. He urged Palestinians residing in various regions, including east Jerusalem and northern Israel, to unite and participate in the ongoing struggle. Today, there is a resurgence of the revolutionary spirit among the people.

During a televised address, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed his concerns regarding the actions of Hamas, emphasizing that they had made a significant error. He further assured the public that the state of Israel is determined to emerge victorious in this ongoing conflict.

The incursion was met with condemnation from Western nations, who also reaffirmed their support for Israel. Stephanie Hallett, the current acting U.S. ambassador to Israel, expressed strong disapproval of the indiscriminate rocket attacks carried out by Hamas terrorists targeting Israeli civilians. In her statement, she emphasized that the United States stands firmly behind Israel's right to protect itself against such acts of terrorism.

Saudi Arabia, a country that has engaged in discussions with the United States regarding the process of normalizing relations with Israel, has recently issued a statement urging both parties involved to demonstrate restraint. The kingdom has consistently issued warnings regarding the potential escalation of the situation due to the ongoing occupation and the denial of legitimate rights to the Palestinian people.

At present, Israel is experiencing a significant period of division, particularly in relation to Prime Minister Netanyahu's proposal to make substantial changes to the judiciary system. The plan has sparked mass protests in Israel, with hundreds of thousands of demonstrators taking to the streets. Additionally, the controversy has led to hundreds of military reservists opting out of volunteer duty. This unrest has raised concerns about the military's preparedness for battle and its ability to deter its enemies.

The infiltration of fighters into southern Israel was a significant escalation by Hamas, resulting in millions of Israelis seeking refuge in safe rooms. The closure of roads near Gaza by the military resulted in the evacuation of cities and towns. The rescue service of Israel and the Health Ministry in Gaza, which represents the Palestinian region, have jointly made an appeal to the general public, urging them to donate blood.

According to Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, an Israeli army spokesman, it is acknowledged that the matter at hand is of significant magnitude. According to the user, it was mentioned that the Israeli military has initiated the process of mobilizing the army reserves.

Hecht chose not to provide any comments regarding the tactics employed by Hamas that led to catching the army off guard. He responded by acknowledging that it was indeed a good question.

In a statement, Ismail Haniyeh, the exiled leader of Hamas, expressed that Palestinian fighters are currently involved in a significant operation to safeguard the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and protect the numerous Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel. Haniyeh described these moments as historic and characterized the actions of the fighters as heroic.

In the kibbutz of Nahal Oz, located approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the Gaza Strip, residents were gripped with fear as they sought shelter indoors. The sound of gunfire reverberated through the buildings, persisting for hours following the initial attack.

The presence of rockets instills a sense of security within us, primarily due to the existence of the Iron Dome, a highly effective missile defense system, as well as the availability of safe rooms. According to Mirjam Reijnen, a 42-year-old volunteer firefighter and mother of three residing in Nahal Oz, the fear of having terrorists present within communities evokes a distinct and unique sense of apprehension.

A massive fence has been constructed by Israel along the Gaza border with the primary objective of preventing infiltrations. The underground structure is designed with advanced features such as cameras, high-tech sensors, and sensitive listening technology.

The escalation has occurred following a series of weeks marked by increased tensions along Israel's volatile border with Gaza, as well as intense fighting in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The events that unfolded on Saturday encompassed a broad range of attacks, posing a potential threat to Netanyahu's standing as a respected authority on security matters, particularly his unwavering commitment to safeguarding Israel. The incident also brought up concerns regarding the unity of a security apparatus that is vital for maintaining stability in a country that is engaged in various low-intensity conflicts and is confronted with threats from Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group.

On Friday, Hezbollah extended its congratulations to Hamas, commending their recent attack as a direct response to what they perceive as "Israeli crimes." Additionally, Hezbollah expressed their belief that the militants behind the attack have received divine support. The group stated that its command in Lebanon had established communication with Hamas regarding the operation.

Since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, Israel has implemented and upheld a blockade over the territory. Since then, the bitter enemies have engaged in four separate conflicts. In addition to major conflicts, there have been multiple instances of smaller-scale clashes between Israel and Hamas, as well as other smaller militant groups operating in Gaza.

The economy of Gaza has been severely impacted by the blockade, which imposes restrictions on the movement of both people and goods into and out of the region. The Israeli government asserts that the implementation of a blockade is necessary in order to prevent militant groups from amassing weapons and strengthening their military capabilities. The closure imposed by the Israeli authorities has been described by the Palestinians as a form of collective punishment.

During a period of intense conflict in the West Bank, there has been a recent occurrence of rocket fire. This comes as part of a larger context of heavy fighting, where Israeli military raids have resulted in the deaths of nearly 200 Palestinians this year. In the northern West Bank, an area known for its instability, a significant number of militants and residents took to the streets to express their jubilation upon hearing about the rocket barrages.

The Israeli government has stated that their raids are primarily targeting militants. However, it is important to note that there have been instances where individuals who were not directly involved in the violence, such as stone-throwing protesters, have also lost their lives. Over the course of recent events, a series of Palestinian attacks have resulted in the unfortunate loss of more than 30 lives among Israeli targets.

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In recent weeks, there have been violent demonstrations along the Israeli border in Gaza, which have been organized by activists linked to Hamas. These tensions have further escalated the situation in the region. The demonstrations came to a halt in late September following the intervention of international mediators.

On Saturday, the White House issued a concise statement expressing its disapproval of the early-morning assault on Israel carried out by Hamas.

The United States expresses a clear and strong disapproval of the unprovoked assaults carried out by Hamas terrorists, specifically targeting innocent Israeli civilians. In a statement, Adrienne Watson, a spokeswoman for the National Security Council, expressed a firm stance against terrorism, asserting that there is never any valid justification for such acts. The statement expresses solidarity with the Government and people of Israel and offers condolences for the lives lost in the attacks.

 

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