Hamas claims to have captured soldiers, civilians in massive assault; at least 22 killed
Gaza terrorists launch surprise attack on Israel with rocket barrages and infiltrations
2,200 rockets fired, including at Tel Aviv, Dimona, Jerusalem; gunmen infiltrate Sderot; at least 22 killed, 300 wounded; IDF declares ‘state of war,’ calls up reserves
Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip launched massive rocket barrages at southern and central Israel on Saturday morning, combined with an assault by dozens of gunmen who infiltrated the border town of Sderot and other communities, clashing with Israel Defense Force troops. At least 22 people were killed and nearly 300 wounded, according to medical officials.
The unprecedented surprise attack by terrorists in the Gaza Strip started at around 6:30 a.m. and Israelis celebrated the last day of the weeklong Sukkot festival with hundreds of rockets fired at Israel. It came a day after Israel and the Arab world marked the 50th anniversary of the surprise attack by Egypt and Syria that launched the Yom Kippur War.
This attack too appeared to catch Israel completely by surprise. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was “at war.”
Citizens of Israel, we are at war,” he said. “And we will win.”
“The enemy will pay a price like they have never known before,” he said, in his first public statement on the matter, some five hours since the start of the assault by the Gaza-based terror group.
Gallant also declared an emergency situation within a range of 80 kilometers from the Gaza Strip.
