A barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel Saturday morning as Hamas terrorists infiltrated the country and took over Southern Israeli towns.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is at war.
“Since this morning, the State of Israel is at war,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, shortly after the IDF declared “Operation Swords of Iron.”
Some 44 people were announced dead by afternoon and more than 700 wounded by Magen David Adom. Among them, Ofir Liebstein, head of the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council, was killed in an exchange of fire with terrorists.
Liebstein was killed as he defended his settlement during an attack. Deputy head of the council, Yossi Keren, is currently filling his place.
A second Israeli – a woman in her 60s – was killed when a rocket hit her building in the Gederot Regional Council.
The names and identities of the other victims had not yet been released.
More than 2,200 rockets were fired, the IDF said. Sirens sounded multiple times in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and southern Israel.
A direct hit was reported on a building in Ashkelon. Dozens of vehicles also caught fire in the city.
In Ramla, four civilians who were trapped under a damaged building were rescued by the Israel Fire and Rescue personnel.
Shelters were opened across the country. Many parts of Ashkelon and the surrounding were without electricity.
“We urge residents to stay in protected areas, avoid approaching the scenes, and refrain from touching rocket remnants that may contain explosives or similar hazards,” Israel Police said.
“The public is urged to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command to stay close to protected areas, and residents of the Gaza periphery are requested to stay indoors,” the army requested.
‘The State of Israel will win this war’
“The Hamas [terrorist organization] has made a grave mistake this morning and launched a war against the State of Israel. IDF troops are fighting against the enemy at every location,” said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant following a situation assessment, as the IDF struck back with multiple forces.
Dozens of fighter jets and other aircraft of the IDF targeted 17 military facilities and four operational headquarters of the Hamas terrorist organization throughout the Gaza Strip, the IDF said.
Gallant approved the draft of reserve soldiers per the IDF’s requirements. He also announced a “special security situation” in Israel’s Homefront, within a 0-80 km radius of the Gaza Strip. This status enables the IDF to provide civilians with safety instructions at close relevant sites.
“The State of Israel will win this war,” Gallant added.
מבצע “חרבות ברזל”עשרות מטוסי קרב וכלי טיס נוספים של צה”ל תקפו בשעות האחרונות 17 מתחמים צבאיים ו-4 מפקדות מבצעיות של ארגון הטרור חמאס ברחבי רצועת עזה pic.twitter.com/ZM91Adym0v
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) October 7, 2023
In addition to the rockets, Hamas had infiltrated into the country, including reportedly into an IDF base in Israel’s southern district, according to an unnamed Israeli security source. Contact with the soldiers on the base was cut off.
Hamas terrorists entered several Israeli towns, where gunfire was exchanged.
A shootout occurred at the Sderot police station and at least one southern Gaza kibbutz.
A resident of the Nirim kibbutz bordering Gaza told Maariv: “Terrorists are passing through the kibbutz. They tried to enter my house. They keep trying to break into houses.”
Terrorists had also reportedly infiltrated the city of Ofakim, and exchanges of gunfire were heard.The terrorists were allegedly fortified in buildings. By noon, some of the terrorists had returned to the Gaza Strip.
N12 reported that Hamas terrorists had captured Israeli vehicles and returned to Gaza with them.
Furthermore, Hamas claimed to have kidnapped five IDF soldiers, but the IDF had not yet confirmed the report. Israeli media reported that Hamas had 33 war prisoners, including civilians and IDF soldiers, who were being held hostage.
Official response
Israeli officials held a security meeting in the afternoon and updated the public on Israel’s military plans.
“Our first goal is primarily to clear the territory of the enemy forces that have entered and restore security and calm to the settlements that have been attacked,” Netanyahu said. “The second goal, concurrently, is to exact a heavy price from the enemy, even in the Gaza Strip. The third goal is to fortify other areas so no one mistakenly joins this war.”
Injured seek medical attention
Hundreds of Israelis sought medical attention at hospitals throughout the country.
Magen David Adom (MDA) said it had treated dozens of people throughout the country, including many in critical condition. In addition, MDA teams provided care for victims of anxiety and other minor injuries resulting from falls on the way to shelters.
Some 280 people with varying degrees of injuries were evacuated to the Soroka Medical Center for treatment, including 44 in moderate condition and 60 in serious condition.
A total of 21 people received treatment at Kaplan Medical Center, the hospital said. Four others were in moderate condition, and 15 were lightly injured. Some injured had gunshot wounds, some shrapnel injuries, and some suffered shock.
Asaf Harofeh said it treated 33 people: two in serious condition, two in moderate condition, and the rest with mild injuries. Samson Assuta Ashdod Hospital said they had treated four injured people from rocket fire, among other hospitals. Two people wounded by rocket fire were evacuated to the Sheba Medical Center for treatment.
Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem said 23 people were being treated, including one in life-threatening condition. Finally, 136 people with varying degrees of injury were evacuated to the Barzilai Medical Center for treatment.
Politicians speak out
As the war waged on, Israeli officials from across the spectrum spoke out.
“The State of Israel is facing a difficult hour,” said President Isaac Herzog. “I stand with the IDF, its commanders, soldiers, and all the security and rescue forces. I want to send words of encouragement and strength to all the residents of Israel who are under attack.
“I call upon everyone to listen to the instructions of the Home Front Command, to show mutual support, and to stay resilient,” the president continued. “Together, we can overcome all those who wish us harm.”
National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz said, “Hamas made a grave mistake, and they will bear the consequences. All citizens of Israel stand behind the IDF and the security forces, and the government has full backing to exact a heavy price for any determined and responsible action.
“We will remain attentive, united, and deliver a heavy and painful blow to the enemy,” he continued.
Lapid stated that he would announce that he would support a military response to the broad attacks against Israeli citizens.
However, Labor Party leader Merav Michaeli wrote on X: “Today is Netanyahu’s Yom Kippur – a terrible and shameful failure, and a tough morning. To start Saturday and the holiday morning, children run to the stairwell with terrible reports about what is happening in the southern settlements.”
Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman stated, “Our strength is our unity. Fifty years since the Yom Kippur War, we once again find ourselves in a war for the home against the enemy. The Israeli government must exact a heavy price from Hamas.”
Protest leaders also reacted, calling off the evening’s demonstration in Tel Aviv.
“We stand by the IDF and the security forces carrying out their duties during this difficult time and hope for the restoration of calm and security,” the Kaplan Force said.
Brothers in Arms and Forum 555 also called on their followers to support the IDF and fight for Israel’s security.
“We call on everyone who is required to stand up for the defense of Israel to do so without hesitation and immediately,” Brothers in Arms said in a statement. “Right now, the most important thing is the country’s security.”
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