Israel faced a surprise attack by Hamas, combining gunmen breaching borders with a barrage of rockets from Gaza. The attack resulted in the death of at least 300 Israelis, while the Israeli military launched reprisal strikes causing the deaths of at least 230 Palestinians.
The attack unfolded as follows:
1. At 6:30 am, Hamas fired nearly 5,000 rockets at Israel from the Gaza strip, causing the country to sound alerts. Smoke filled the sky over residential areas in Israel, and people sought shelter as sirens blared.
2. The terrorists used the rocket barrage as cover to breach security barriers and attack Israeli towns and military posts. They attacked civilians and were seen in videos on social media shooting at residents and passersby.
3. Hamas released videos showing their fighters breaching security fences during the dim light of the morning, corresponding to the time of the rocket barrage. A photograph also captured Hamas tearing down a section of the security fence.
4. In response, Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes, which further destabilized Gaza’s already struggling medical infrastructure.
5. At 10 am, the Israeli army reported that Palestinian fighters had successfully infiltrated at least three military installations: the Erez border crossing, the Zikim base, and the Gaza division headquarters at Reim.
6. Gun battles continued throughout the night, resulting in the deaths of at least 500 individuals, including 300 Israelis and 230 Palestinians in the Gaza region. Additionally, at least 3,000 people were injured.
7. Israeli media reported that Hamas had taken hostages, including soldiers and residents from the towns they attacked.
8. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, stating, “We are at war.” He urged the people of Gaza to leave immediately, as Israel planned to respond with full force. Netanyahu pledged to avenge this “black day” for Israel and its people.
9. Israel announced that counter-terrorism operations were ongoing and anticipated a long and challenging war. The country also suspended the supply of electricity, fuel, and other goods to Gaza.
10. The Hamas attack occurred exactly 50 years after Egyptian and Syrian forces launched an assault during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, aiming to reclaim territory taken by Israel in a brief conflict in 1967.
As the situation continues to develop, responses from both sides are awaited.