Emmanuel OchayiThe ruling Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip launched an attack on Israel at dawn on Saturday, catching the country off guard during the major holiday of Simchat Torah.
Thousands of rockets rained down on Israel as dozens of fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border through air, land, and sea routes.
Hamas militants engaged in gun battles within several Israeli communities, demonstrating an unexpected display of strength, resulting in at least 40 people killed and hundreds wounded, marking the deadliest attack in Israel in years.
According to AP, The Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba reported treating at least 280 casualties, with 60 in serious condition, while the Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon treated 182 wounded, including 12 in critical condition. In Gaza, casualties remained unconfirmed, but witnesses reported the funerals of 15 individuals and eight more bodies at a local hospital.
Social media showcased Hamas fighters parading stolen Israeli military vehicles and the disturbing image of an Israeli soldier being dragged and trampled by Palestinians, shouting “God is the Greatest.”
Hamas released videos claiming to show at least three captured Israelis, while the Israeli military remained tight-lipped about casualties and kidnappings as the battle with infiltrators raged on.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the situation as war, vowing that Israel would respond with unprecedented force. The attack on Simchat Torah drew eerie parallels to the 1973 Yom Kippur War, fueling criticism of Netanyahu’s government for failing to anticipate such a well-coordinated Hamas assault.
In response to the thousands of rockets, Israel launched strikes on Gaza and engaged in gunfights with Hamas militants who infiltrated the country through various means, even paragliding.
The motives behind Hamas’ attack remain unclear, but rising tensions in the region due to settlement construction in the West Bank, settler violence, and disputes over Jerusalem’s holy sites may have played a role.
Hamas leader Mohammed Deif proclaimed the start of “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm” in defense of the Al-Aqsa mosque compound. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that Hamas had made a grave mistake, while Western nations condemned the incursion and reiterated support for Israel.
The attack occurred amid internal turmoil in Israel over Netanyahu’s proposal to overhaul the judiciary, prompting mass protests and raising concerns about the military’s readiness.
The infiltration of fighters forced Israelis to take cover, and the nation’s rescue service and the Palestinian Health Ministry called for blood donations. Israel’s defense spokesperson declined to comment on how Hamas managed to catch the army off guard.
As the conflict raged, Hezbollah congratulated Hamas, adding to the complexity of Israel’s security challenges in the region.
The attack follows years of conflict between Israel and Gaza, marked by a crippling blockade and multiple wars. The blockade has devastated Gaza’s economy, while Palestinians consider it a collective punishment.
The rocket barrage coincides with heightened violence in the West Bank, with nearly 200 Palestinians killed in Israeli military raids this year. Tensions have also spread to Gaza, where violent demonstrations ceased in late September following international mediation.
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