- Palestinian militant groups launched devastating ‘surprise’ attacks on Israel in the early hours of Saturday morning.
- The attack was orchestrated by the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, a Palestinian group that governs the Gaza strip.
- Scores of people have died with the death toll currently standing at 413 in Gaza and at least 700 in Israel. Scores of Israeli citizens, including women and children have also reportedly been abducted
- Israeli forces are bombarding Gaza while speculations are rife that they may also launch ground invasion.
- Israel has also reportedly responded to Hezbollah’s attacks launched from inside Lebanon.
- U.S. President Joe Biden has spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and assured him of the United State’s unequivocal support while announcing a round of aid package barely 24 hours after the devastating attacks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a ‘state of war’ following devastating attacks on several fronts launched by Hamas at dawn on Saturday, The escalation has been described as the worst attack on Israel since the 1947-8 Yom Kippur war.
The conflicts has so far claimed over a thousand lives on both sides with at least 700 Israeli citizens and 413 Palestinians reported dead. The death toll is expected to rise as fighting is still ongoing in several spots in Israel while Israeli Defence Forces(IDF) are intensifying attacks on Gaza.
In a televised address, PM Netanyahu vowed to exact an “unprecedented price” from the terror group. “Citizens of Israel, we are at war, not an operation, not a round of fighting, at war!”, the PM declared while continuing to justify the reasons as to why; “This morning, Hamas initiated a murderous surprise attack on the state of Israel and its citizens”.
The Israeli defense ministry has reportedly recalled the reserves even as speculations of IDF launching a ground invasion into Gaza continues to draw more tensions.
Key Israel allies including the U.S. and the European Union(E.U.) have voiced strong support following the attack. U.S . President Joe Biden was reportedly on constant communication with PM Netanyahu and has also announced an unspecified, additional aid package for Israel.
It is believed that the attack was launched to oppose the impending ‘normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.’ Fingers have also been pointed towards Iran who are alleged to be sponsoring the Palestinian group and Lebanese armed group, Hezbollah.’
IDF spokesperson put out a televised statement Sunday afternoon vowing to ‘restore peace to Israeli citizens.’ “This weekend, Hamas started a war against Israel with the worst massacre of innocent civilians in Israel’s history. Hamas was more barbaric and more brutal than ISIS. Let me be crystal-clear: Israel will respond with determination and force to their unprovoked war crimes.”
“Hamas murdered hundreds of Israelis men, women and children and too dozens hostage into Gaza.” He continued, “This horrific terror acts demands a forceful, determined and sustained response- which is exactly what we are doing and continue to do.”
IDF further revealed that its Airforce is attacking ‘hundreds of Hamas Islamic-Jihad targets in Gaza’ while also assuring the international community about Israel’s ‘commitment’ to international laws. “We follow international law while exercising our rights and responsibilities to protect our citizens”, declared the IDF spokesperson.
This also comes as reports of massive civilian casualty in Gaza hits headlines. 13 members from the same family reportedly perished following Israeli air raids in Gaza.
Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom(U.K.) has also put out a statement assuring solidarity with Israel; “The scenes that we have seen in Israel for the past 36 hours are truly horrifying, I want to express my absolute solidarity for the people of Israel. Now is not the time for equivocation, and am unequivocal.
He went on to blame Hamas and the people ‘who support Hamas’ for the “appalling act of terror, for the murder of civilians and for the kidnapping of innocent people including children.” Sunak further revealed that he had spoken with PM Netanyahu and “assured him of UK’s steadfast support as it defends itself against these appalling attacks.”
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