The Israeli military has reported that fierce fighting persists in 22 locations across southern Israel, a full 12 hours after Hamas militants executed a surprise infiltration operation into the region.
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the army’s chief spokesman, issued a statement declaring, “There is no community in southern Israel where we do not have forces.”
He disclosed that Israel has regained control in some communities, yet the army continues to conduct thorough scans to ensure their safety, AP reported.
Hagari also confirmed that ongoing hostage situations are unfolding in two towns: Ofakim and Beeri. He revealed, “There are special forces there with senior commanders, and live firefights are ongoing.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the situation on social media, stating, “Since this morning, the State of Israel has been at war. Our first objective is to clear out the hostile forces that infiltrated our territory and restore security and tranquility to the communities that have been attacked.”
Netanyahu continued, outlining the nation’s multi-pronged approach, “The second objective, at the same time, is to exact an immense price from the enemy, within the Gaza Strip as well. The third objective is to reinforce other fronts so that nobody should mistakenly join this war. We are at war. In war, one needs to be level-headed. I call on all citizens of Israel to unite to achieve our highest goal – victory in the war.”
Hagari disclosed that Israel has initiated airstrikes in Gaza, with ground operations expected to commence. While details were not provided, he mentioned the deployment of an additional four divisions of troops and tanks to bolster the already heavily fortified area.
Amid the ongoing armed conflict, several global figures took to social media to provide information and insights into the situation.
Dutch politician Geert Wilders expressed his perspective, writing, “Hamas cowards take Israeli women and children hostage. They have no honor and know only hate. We celebrate life; they celebrate death. #Israel.”
Unverified footage of Hamas launching rockets towards Israel began circulating on social media platforms.
Hananya Naftali, a verified user, posted, “Israeli Air Force destroyed the ‘Palestine Tower’ in Gaza affiliated with Hamas. The mainstream media show this and present Israel as if we are the bad guys, forgetting that Hamas fired today 4000 rockets into Israeli cities, kidnapped and murdered civilians.”
American conservative pundit Benny Johnson chimed in, stating, “RIGHT NOW: Iran’s parliament is chanting ‘Death to Israel! Death to America!’ as their terror cells massacre Israeli women and children. This is the regime that JOE BIDEN just gave $6 BILLION & a pathway to nuclear weapons too. Pure evil.”
A verified user named Sprinter added, “Protests in support of Hamas’ actions in Israel are taking place in different countries of the Arab world – a mass march took place in the capital of Yemen, a rally was held in Aleppo in Syria, and a car rally with Hezbollah flags was held in Baghdad in Iraq.”
Hamas militants launched thousands of rockets and deployed dozens of fighters into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip during a surprise early morning attack on a major Jewish holiday, resulting in dozens of casualties and stunning the country. Israel declared itself at war with Hamas, launching airstrikes in Gaza with a determination to exact an “unprecedented price.”
Hours after the incursion began, Hamas militants continued to engage in gun battles within several Israeli communities. Israel’s national rescue service reported at least 70 casualties and hundreds of wounded, marking the deadliest attack in the country in years. Additionally, an undisclosed number of Israeli soldiers and civilians were seized and taken into Gaza, a matter of utmost sensitivity for Israel.
The Daily Netizen 