New Delhi: A large-scale rocket attack launched from the blockaded Gaza Strip on Saturday resulted in the deaths of 70 people in Israel and at least 198 in Gaza. Israel authorities issued warnings, urging people to stay near bomb shelters as sirens blared across the country. The armed wing of the Hamas group claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it had fired over 5,000 rockets at its neighbor as part of its Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Israeli fighter jets responded by striking three multi-storey buildings in Gaza, causing them to collapse. The Israeli army also reported that Hamas militants had kidnapped Israeli soldiers and civilians during their ground incursion. US President Joe Biden warned against any other party seeking advantage against Israel and expressed support for the nation. Lufthansa suspended flights to Israel in light of the rocket attacks, and at least nine people were killed in Gaza. The UN envoy to the Middle East condemned the assault by Hamas militants, calling for maximum restraint. Israel reported 40 deaths and over 500 injuries, while the US condemned the attacks as acts of terrorism. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs established a helpline for Indians in Israel, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed Israel’s right to defense. Lebanon’s Hezbollah praised Hamas for its “heroic operation,” and Russia called for an immediate ceasefire. A senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader expressed support for Hamas’ attack, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with Israel. World leaders called for an end to hostilities and the safety of civilians, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged both sides to act reasonably. Spain condemned the indiscriminate violence of the attacks on Israel.
Sat. Apr 18th, 2026
