In a shocking and unprecedented turn of events, Israel found itself under heavy assault on Saturday, October 7, as the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas launched its most substantial attack in years. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the nation was now “at war” in response to the onslaught.
The multifaceted attack by Hamas included both gunmen infiltrating several Israeli towns and a barrage of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip, prompting warning sirens to wail across southern and central Israel, even reaching Jerusalem. Israel’s military swiftly declared a war footing, and the country’s defense minister asserted that Hamas, backed by Iran, had made a “grave mistake” by declaring war on Israel.
Israel’s military immediately responded with air strikes into Gaza, resulting in reports of heavy explosions in the region. This marked an alarming escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, characterized by an unprecedented infiltration by an unknown number of Hamas gunmen into Israeli territory from Gaza.
The attack had severe consequences, with at least two Israelis reported dead, according to Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan. Medical officials also indicated that dozens of individuals were wounded, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Spain’s acting Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, condemned the attacks on Israel in a social media statement, expressing strong disapproval of the “very serious terrorist attacks from Gaza against Israel.” He conveyed Spain’s solidarity with the victims and expressed dismay over the indiscriminate violence.
The surprise assault came just a day after Israel marked the 50th anniversary of the 1973 war, which nearly led to a catastrophic defeat in a surprise attack by Syria and Egypt.
As the situation unfolds, Israel remains on high alert, and the international community watches with growing concern. The declaration of war by Israel signals a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, and the repercussions of this attack are likely to have far-reaching implications for the region.
(Inputs from REUTERS)