Armed Hamas militants have been filmed flying over the heavily fortified border between Israel and Gaza during an unprecdented attack by the terrorist organisation that has left at least 40 Israelis dead.
In a seemingly surprise attack this morning the Gazan-based group fired thousands of rockets and staged a full-scale incursion into neighbouring Israeli killing soldiers and civilians.
Several hours after the invasion began, Hamas militants were still fighting gunbattles inside several Israeli communities in a surprising show of strength that shook the country.
Israel’s national rescue service Magen David Adom said scores of people have been killed and hundreds wounded, making it the deadliest attack in Israel in years.
At least 561 wounded people were being treated in Israeli hospitals, including at least 77 who were in critical condition, according to a count based on public statements and calls to hospitals.
There was no official comment on casualties in Gaza, but it’s reported funerals have took place for 15 people who were killed. It was not immediately clear if they were fighters or civilians.
Social media was awash with videos of Hamas fighters parading what appeared to be stolen Israeli military vehicles through the streets and at least one dead Israeli soldier within Gaza being dragged and trampled by an angry crowd of Palestinians shouting “God is Greatest.”
Videos released by Hamas appeared to show at least three Israelis captured alive. The military declined to give details about casualties or kidnappings as it continued to battle the infiltrators.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address, declaring a mass army mobilisation. He said: “We are at war, not an ‘operation,’ not a ‘round,’ but at war.”
“The enemy will pay an unprecedented price,” he added, promising that Israel would “return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known.”
Saudi Arabia has called for an immediate halt to fighting. A statement today by the Saudi Foreign Ministry also called for both sides to protect civilians and exercise restraint.
In the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak posted on X the statement: “I am shocked by this morning’s attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens.
“Israel has an absolute right to defend itself. We’re in contact with Israeli authorities, and British nationals in Israel should follow travel advice.”
