Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, declared a state of war on Saturday in response to a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with Palestinian militants in Gaza. The militants launched a deadly barrage of rockets into Israel and sent armed gunmen into Israeli territory. And marking a major escalation in hostilities. gunmen into Israeli territory
The Israeli military reported approximately 2,200 rockets fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel. Simultaneously, armed terror groups infiltrated Israeli territory using various means, including land, sea, and paragliders. The result was a series of explosions heard over Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and southern Israel, including the interception of incoming rockets. These attacks prompted Israeli citizens to seek refuge in underground shelters.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) indicated that Hamas had taken “hostages and prisoners of war,” although a specific number was not provided. As a consequence of the attacks, at least 200 Israelis lost their lives, with 1,452 individuals sustaining injuries, as reported by Israel’s emergency rescue service and health ministry.
In retaliation, Israel launched strikes targeting what they identified as Hamas facilities in Gaza. Among the targeted structures was the Palestine Tower, a high-rise building in Gaza City housing both residential apartments and media offices. And which struck by an explosion and subsequently collapsed, as shown in video footage.
The Palestinian health ministry reported 232 Palestinian casualties and 1,697 injuries. However, it did not specify the locations of these casualties or whether they included Hamas militants or civilians in Gaza.
Netanyahu has announced that operations are currently in progress to “eliminate terrorist infiltrations” within communities. Additionally, he has ordered the mobilization of reservists in response to the escalating situation.
In a televised address, Netanyahu also made a solemn vow to seek retribution against Hamas. And the Palestinian militant organization governing Gaza, for their actions. He stated, “What unfolded today in Israel is unprecedented. We are determin to exact powerful vengeance for this dark day.”
Addressing Hamas directly, Netanyahu emphasized their responsibility for the safety of captives and warned, “Israel will hold accountable anyone who harms them.” He further pledged to turn locations associated with Hamas into “ruined islands.”
Netanyahu issued a strong message to the residents of Gaza. And urging them to evacuate, as he stated, “Leave now because we will respond forcefully across all fronts.”
As tensions continued to escalate, Gaza militants launched a fresh barrage of rockets on Saturday evening. And targeting multiple locations within Israel. And including Tel Aviv, as confirmed by Israeli authorities.
In a Telegram post, the armed wing of Hamas. And designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, and Israel, claimed responsibility for firing an additional 150 rockets in retaliation for the bombing of the residential tower.