At least 22 Israelis have been killed in a series of attacks by Palestinian militants from the Hamas group. The attacks began with militants crossing into Israel from Gaza and launching dozens of rockets.
Some reports say the militants have taken some Israelis captive. Israel declared war against Hamas in response to a devastating rocket attack and initiated a series of airstrikes. The attacks are likely to have a great impact on the region and could lead to further violence.
Photo: BBC
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is at war and that Hamas will have to pay a price that's never been seen before. "Israelis, we are in a state of war. It's not an operation, it's not an escalation - it's a state of war, and we will win, and Hamas will pay a price that has never been seen before," he said in a video message.
Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, launched a surprise rocket attack on Israel, calling it "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood." In a pre-recorded speech, Hamas militant leader Mohamed Deif said that the group had fired over 5,000 rockets in the first 20 minutes of the attack and that it was intended to "put an end to all of this" and show Israel that "the time of recklessness without accountability is over."
Sirens are wailing across Israel and Jerusalem as rockets from Gaza hit southern and central parts of the country. Haunting videos of people fleeing their homes in border areas have surfaced online. Hundreds of people were seen rushing away from the border with Israel, carrying blankets and food items.
The Israeli government has asked civilians to stay near shelters, and those near the Gaza Strip to stay home. Around 40 people have been killed and 15 others have been injured in the rocket attacks, according to emergency services.
The Indian Embassy in Israel has told its citizens to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols set out by local authorities. "Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement and consider staying close to safety shelters," the embassy said in an advisory.
Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza, have fought four wars since 2007. The latest conflict began in May 2021 after Israel closed its borders to Gazan workers, and has resulted in the deaths of 247 Palestinians, 32 Israelis, and two foreigners. The casualties include both fighters and civilians.
© Copyright 2023. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
