Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have admitted that the recent Hamas attack came as a surprise. Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, the IDF’s International Spokesperson, stated in a video that they were attacked unexpectedly with a combined offensive by Hamas. He emphasized that this attack was different from the previous encounters with Hamas and that Israel would respond severely.
The Hamas attack, which involved ground, air, and sea operations, has resulted in approximately 100 deaths in both Israel and Palestine. Reports indicate that 600 Israelis have been killed and 1,000 wounded, while Gaza officials claim that at least 400 Palestinians have died and 1,700 have been injured as a result of Israel’s retaliatory air strikes.
Lt. Col. Hecht accused Hamas of targeting civilians, including grandmothers, children, and babies. He described the scale of the attack as barbaric and compared it to the 9/11 attacks, stating that it goes against international law and the principles of Islam. He expressed his dismay at the atrocities committed against children, finding it difficult to comprehend.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to use the full force of the Israeli armed forces to destroy Hamas’s capabilities. He urged Palestinians living near Hamas sites in Gaza to evacuate, as Israel prepares to take action in response to the attack.
As the situation unfolds, the world awaits further responses to this tragic event.