Israel has declared war on Hamas following the deadliest attack on its soil, with the death toll now exceeding 1,100 after a surprise assault by the Palestinian militant group from Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has prepared the nation for what he described as a “long and difficult” war, a day after Hamas launched thousands of rockets at Israel and launched an attack that resulted in civilian casualties and the abduction of at least 100 hostages.
As per the latest figures from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), over 700 Israelis have been killed in the large-scale attack initiated by Hamas, marking the country’s most significant losses since the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. The surprise attack took Israel off guard, drawing comparisons to 9/11 and leaving many Israelis bewildered.
In Gaza, officials reported at least 413 deaths in the densely populated and blockaded enclave, which had been heavily targeted by Israeli airstrikes on 800 locations ahead of concerns about a potential ground invasion.
U.S. President Joe Biden has ordered additional support for Israel in response to what he termed an “unprecedented terrorist assault by Hamas.” Several Americans were confirmed to have been killed in the attack, prompting the U.S. to provide additional equipment and resources, including munitions, to the Israel Defense Forces.
The situation has prompted multiple countries, including Brazil, Britain, France, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Nepal, Thailand, and Ukraine, to report their nationals as killed, abducted, or missing in the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli military has deployed tens of thousands of troops to confront Hamas fighters in the southern region, where civilians have been found dead in towns and on roads. Israel has vowed to reach every community until every terrorist in the country is dealt with.
Shocking images of at least 100 Israeli citizens captured and abducted by Hamas into Gaza have circulated on social media, causing widespread concern and distress among their families.
Hezbollah in Lebanon also launched guided missiles and artillery shells into Israel, stating solidarity with Hamas. Israel responded with artillery strikes along the border. Meanwhile, international condemnation of Hamas’s attack has been swift, with Washington and Brussels classifying it as a terrorist group.
As the conflict escalates, Israel faces significant challenges on multiple fronts, both militarily and diplomatically. The situation remains highly volatile, with regional and international repercussions expected to continue unfolding.
