ASHKELON, Israel - Israel plunged into chaos on Saturday as the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a devastating multi-pronged attack, infiltrating the southern border and unleashing a massive barrage of rockets from the Gaza Strip. In a video shared on social media, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, "We are in a war," announcing strikes on Gaza and initiating an "extensive reserve mobilization" in response to the unprecedented incursion.
According to Israel's Foreign Ministry, the toll stands at over 200 Israelis killed. Simultaneously, Gaza's health ministry reported 198 deaths due to Israeli airstrikes, with 1,610 others injured. Hamas fighters took several civilians and soldiers as hostages, leading to continued fighting in southern Israel hours after the operation commenced, as confirmed by the Israeli military.
Amid the crisis, President Joe Biden condemned the assault, describing it as an "appalling assault against Israel by Hamas terrorists." He affirmed Israel's right to self-defense, emphasizing, "Israel has a right to defend itself and its people." Biden reassured unwavering support for Israel's security, underscoring the firm stance of his administration in the face of this grave situation.
