In an unexpected development on Saturday, hundreds of gunmen from the Islamist militant group Hamas conducted a coordinated surprise attack on southern Israel, as reported by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). These militants, some of whom used paragliders, entered Israeli territory from various locations via land, air, and sea.
Before the infiltration into the Israeli city of Sderot, Hamas launched approximately 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip towards Israel. This rocket barrage appears to have served as a diversion to facilitate the infiltration of militants into Israeli territory.
The aftermath of the attack has seen nearly two hundred people receiving treatment in multiple Israeli hospitals, with at least seven confirmed deaths. Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon and Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheva have reported treating 68 and 80 victims, respectively, with some in serious condition. Reports suggest that Hamas militants entered civilian homes near the Gaza Strip, shooting several people, and reportedly capturing up to 35 Israeli Defence Force soldiers.
In response, the IDF initiated “Operation Iron Swords” to neutralize the Hamas militants, conducting airstrikes on several Hamas hideouts in Gaza. The IDF has also urged civilians to follow emergency protocols outlined on the National Emergency Portal.
Israel’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, characterized the attack as a declaration of war by Hamas against Israel and pledged a suitable response.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting of the security cabinet in light of the unexpected attack and declared a “state of readiness for war.” Netanyahu stated that Israel is at war and emphasized that Hamas will face unprecedented consequences for today’s attack.
He said, “Our enemy will pay a price, the type of which it has never known,” expressing confidence in Israel’s ability to prevail in this conflict.
Locals reported that Hamas militants infiltrated a festival where hundreds of Israelis were celebrating the Shemini Atzeret holiday. While the exact number of casualties remains uncertain, Israeli officials have claimed that Hamas gunmen have indiscriminately targeted civilians in their path.
Several videos circulating on social media depict armed militants inside Israel. In one video, a group of armed men is seen atop an army tank before setting it on fire.
This coordinated attack on Israel was orchestrated by the military wing of Hamas, Al-Qassam Brigades, under the banner of “Al Aqsa Floods.” It is seen as a response to alleged provocations at Al-Aqsa and the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
