Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned what he described as a brutal and malevolent conflict initiated by Hamas. He asserted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would employ its full capabilities to dismantle Hamas’ military strength.
“Hamas forces entered Israeli territory this morning, during a holiday and Shabbat, and tragically took the lives of innocent civilians, including children and the elderly. Hamas has initiated a cruel and malevolent war. We will ultimately prevail in this conflict, but the toll it exacts is deeply painful for all of us,” Netanyahu conveyed via ‘X’ on Sunday.
A significant disturbance occurred in the Middle East on Saturday when the Hamas extremist organization launched a “surprise assault,” launching a barrage of rockets into southern and central Israel. According to the most recent updates, official reports from the Times of Israel indicate that 250 individuals have lost their lives, with at least 1104 sustaining injuries, and several Israelis have been taken hostage in Gaza.
Netanyahu accused Hamas of seeking to annihilate the Israeli population, highlighting their targeting of innocent civilians, including children and mothers in their homes. He emphasized his determination to prevent such events from recurring and stressed the unanimous support of the government for this decision.
He declared, “The IDF will promptly employ its full capabilities to incapacitate Hamas, rendering them unable to continue their actions. We will seek retribution with the utmost force for this dark day inflicted upon the State of Israel and its citizens.”
On Saturday, the IDF stated, “While families across Israel were gathering for dinner, they were forced to seek shelter yet again due to Hamas’ relentless rocket attacks.” Rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel began at approximately 6:30 am local time, hitting various cities, including Tel Aviv, Rehovot, Gedera, and Ashkelon. Subsequently, several Hamas militants infiltrated Israel from the Gaza Strip, taking control of Israeli towns.
Hamas military commander Muhammad Al-Deif referred to the operation as the “Al-Aqsa Storm” and stated that it was a response to attacks on women, the desecration of the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, and the ongoing siege of Gaza.
Netanyahu vowed to transform all the locations where Hamas operates or hides into ruins, urging Gaza residents to evacuate due to the impending military actions.
Disturbing videos depicted casualties strewn in the streets of the southern city of Sderot following the Palestinian militants’ attack. Cars were riddled with bullets and set ablaze, as reported by The Washington Post. Additionally, Israeli Mayor Ofir Liebstein, and head of the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council, lost his life in the rocket attacks.
In response to these devastating attacks, the Israel Defense Forces declared a state of readiness for war.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed solidarity with Israel and the need for accountability for acts of terror worldwide, drawing parallels with Ukraine’s own experiences. He emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense and called for a unified and principled global response to terrorism.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned the indiscriminate and reprehensible attacks by Hamas on Israel, expressing support for Israel’s right to self-defense.
Also Read: US President Joe Biden Expresses Unwavering Support for Israel Amidst Hamas Attacks
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