In a shocking and unprecedented early morning assault on Saturday, Hamas militants unleashed a barrage of rockets and sent numerous fighters into Israeli towns located near the Gaza Strip. This surprise attack, which occurred during a major Jewish holiday, resulted in dozens of casualties and sent shockwaves throughout Israel. The Israeli government declared itself at war with Hamas and initiated airstrikes in Gaza, vowing to exact an “unprecedented price” for the incursion.
Several hours after the attack commenced, Hamas militants were still engaged in gunfights within several Israeli communities near Gaza. Israel’s national rescue service reported a devastating toll, with at least 40 people killed and hundreds wounded, marking one of the deadliest attacks in Israel in recent years. Additionally, an undisclosed number of Israeli soldiers and civilians were reportedly seized and taken into Gaza.
In retaliation, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, resulting in at least 198 deaths and over 1,610 wounded, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza. The audacity, sophistication, and timing of the attack stunned Israelis, with images circulating of Hamas militants bringing captured individuals into Gaza on motorcycles and parading what appeared to be seized Israeli military vehicles through the streets. Disturbing videos on social media depicted at least one deceased Israeli soldier within Gaza being dragged and trampled by an enraged crowd of Palestinians.
The situation threatened to escalate into a full-scale conflict, reminiscent of previous conflicts between Hamas and Israel that brought widespread death and destruction to Gaza, as well as days of rocket attacks on Israeli communities.
In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, “We are at war,” emphasizing that this was not merely an “operation” or a “round,” but a full-fledged war. He pledged that Israel would respond with a magnitude of force previously unseen by its adversaries, vowing to make the enemy pay an “unprecedented price.”
Hamas’ military wing leader, Mohammed Deif, responded by stating that the attack was a response to a series of factors, including the continued blockade of Gaza, Israeli raids in West Bank cities, violence at the Al Aqsa Mosque, increasing attacks by settlers on Palestinians, and the continued expansion of settlements. Deif proclaimed that the morning attack marked the commencement of “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm” and called on Palestinians from East Jerusalem to Northern Israel to join the fight, declaring, “Enough is enough.”
During a meeting of top security officials, Netanyahu outlined the priorities, which included clearing the area of enemy infiltrators, exacting a substantial price from the enemy, and fortifying other areas to prevent other militant groups from joining the conflict.
The attack occurred on Simchat Torah, typically a joyous day when Jews complete the annual Torah scroll reading cycle. The timing drew painful parallels to the 1973 Mideast war, nearly 50 years ago, when Israel’s enemies launched a surprise attack on Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.
This turn of events fueled criticism of Netanyahu and his far-right allies, who had campaigned on a more aggressive stance against threats from Gaza. Political commentators lambasted the government for failing to anticipate an attack of this level of planning and coordination.
Amid the escalating violence, Western nations condemned the incursion and reiterated their support for Israel, while others called for restraint on both sides. The United States, for example, condemned the attacks by Hamas terrorists on Israeli civilians, expressing solidarity with Israel.
Saudi Arabia, which has been in discussions with the U.S. about normalizing relations with Israel, urged restraint from both parties and underscored the dangers of the situation escalating due to continued occupation and Palestinian rights deprivation.
The attack coincides with divisions within Israel over Netanyahu’s proposed judiciary overhaul, triggering mass protests and turmoil that have raised concerns about the military’s readiness and its deterrence capabilities. The infiltration of fighters into southern Israel marked a significant escalation by Hamas, causing widespread panic as millions of Israelis sought shelter in safe rooms. Cities and towns emptied as roads near Gaza were closed, and both Israeli and Palestinian authorities called for blood donations to aid the injured.
Israel has constructed a formidable fence along the Gaza border to prevent infiltrations, equipped with advanced technology, cameras, sensors, and listening devices. Despite these measures, Hamas managed to catch the Israeli army off guard with this audacious attack.
As tensions escalate, Israel faces challenges on multiple fronts, including low-intensity conflicts and threats from various sources. The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation and a prolonged period of violence.