Hamas claims to have kidnapped five Israeli soldiers. The IDF has not corroborated the report. * Head of Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council killed in terror attack
GADI ZAIG MAAYAN JAFFE-HOFFMAN
Updated: OCTOBER 7, 2023 11:21
A barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel Saturday morning, amidst which Ofir Liebstein, Head of the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council, was killed in an exchange of fire with terrorists.
Liebstein was killed when he went to defend the settlement during the terrorist attack. Deputy head of the council, Yossi Keren is currently filling his place.
Sirens were heard as far as Jerusalem multiple times beginning at 8:15 a.m. Further sirens were heard at 10:15.
At least one rocket directly hit a building in the Gederot Regional Council, killing a woman in her 60s, according to Magen David Adom.
“The Hamas [terrorist organization] has made a grave mistake this morning and launched a war against the State of Israel. IDF troops are fighting against the enemy at every location,” said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant following a situation assessment. The State of Israel will win this war.”
The IDF declared that it was “ready for war” after widespread rocket fire was shot into Israeli territory from Gaza, and terrorists infiltrated Israeli territory through various entry points. Dozens of IAF fighter jets have attacked targets of the terrorist organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip in several locations.
“Residents in the south and center of the country are required to be in close proximity to protected areas, and those in the Gaza periphery should remain within a secure space,” the IDF announced.
The IDF began operating in the Gaza Strip, it said, although more than two hours after the attacks started, Israeli action remained minimal. Hamas claimed to have kidnapped five IDF soldiers, but the IDF had not yet confirmed the report. Israeli media reported that Hamas has 33 prisoners of war – including both civilians and IDF soldiers and are being held as hostage.
The Prime Minister’s Office said that the Security Cabinet would convene around 1 p.m. following an extensive situation assessment that took place in the morning. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid is set to meet with Netanyahu following the security meeting.
Gallant approved the draft of reserve soldiers in accordance with the IDF’s requirements.
Gallant announced a “special security situation” in Israel’s Homefront, within a 0-80 km radius from the Gaza Strip. This status enables the IDF to provide civilians with safety instructions at close relevant sites.
“Hamas is the ruling entity in the Gaza Strip, responsible for this attack, and will bear the consequences and responsibility for the events,” the IDF said.
Several senior IDF officials stated that Hamas now controls several settlements in the southern areas of the country, Walla reported.
“There is an area in the State of Israel that is now occupied by Hamas,” they said.
Israelis across the country—on Shabbat and the holiday of Simchat Torah—woke up to sirens sounding and Hamas firing rockets at them from Gaza this morning. We will defend ourselves. pic.twitter.com/S9GN8fld4Y
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 7, 2023
“There is an area in the State of Israel that is now occupied by Hamas.”Senior IDF officials
Injuries and treatment
110 people with varying degrees of injuries were evacuated to the Soroka Medical Center for treatment.
Magen David Adom (MDA) said it had treated dozens of people throughout the country, including many in critical condition. In addition, MDA teams were providing care for victims of anxiety and other minor injuries resulting from falls on the way to shelters.
Aside from the woman who died of her wounds, the injured included a 52-year-old man from Gederot who was moderately injured, and a 20-year-old man from Yavne, also moderately injured. Both victims were transferred to Kaplan Hospital.
A total of 21 people received treatment at Kaplan, the hospital said. Four others were in moderate condition, and 15 with mild injuries. Some of the injured had gunshot wounds, some shrapnel injuries, and some people were suffering from shock.
Other hospitals began reporting their wounded: Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba said more than 80 people had come into the facility, including several in serious condition. Two people injured from rocket fire were evacuated to the Sheba Medical Center for treatment.
Asaf Harofeh said it treated 17 people, two in serious condition, one in moderate condition, and 14 with mild injuries. Samson Assuta Ashdod Hospital said they had treated four people that were injured from rocket fire, among other hospitals.
68 people with varying degrees of injury were evacuated to the Barzilai Medical Center.
Rockets fell into multiple cities and communities, the IDF said. This included Tel Aviv, where initial reports by Israeli media said there was a direct hit to a home. Other cities where rockets fell included Rishon Lezion, Holon and Bat Yam. Sirens were also sounded in the West Bank, including Efrat.
Moreover, a direct hit was reported on a building in Ashkelon. Dozens of vehicles also caught fire in the city.
In Ramla, four civilians that were trapped under a damaged building were rescued by the Israel Fire and Rescue personnel. Six buildings and another 10 vehicles were damaged in the area.
The IDF and Israel Police have requested that residents stay in their homes. Shelters have been opened across the country.
“We urge residents to stay in protected areas, avoid approaching the scenes, and refrain from touching rocket remnants that may contain explosives or similar hazards,” Israel Police said.
Airports in the south and center of the country were closed to private flights. Ben-Gurion Airport, however, said it would remain open and operate in accordance with security and safety guidelines.
“The public is urged to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command to stay close to protected areas, and residents of the Gaza periphery are requested to stay indoors,” the army requested.
As noted, in addition to the rocket fire, terrorists attempted to infiltrate into southern Israel. Exchange of fire between Israeli forces and terrorists were reported at the Sderot police station. In the southern Gaza periphery kibbutz as well, there was an infiltration of terrorists and exchanges of fire.
The terrorists that are firing on Israeli forces are reportedly fortified in buildings. Some of the terrorists who participated in the fighting returned to the Gaza Strip.
Hamas has announced that a message from Mohammed Deif will soon be released. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad stated that its fighters have joined Hamas in attacks against Israel.
The IDF Spokesman asked the public to show responsibility and not to spread details about events that are not verified and to stick only to information that has been allowed to be published.
Israeli officials respond
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was convening top security officials.
President Isaac Herzog said that, “the State of Israel is facing a difficult hour. I stand with the IDF, its commanders, and soldiers, as well as all the security and rescue forces. I want to send words of encouragement and strength to all the residents of Israel who are under attack.
Hamas fires a large number of rockets towards Israel in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, October 7, 2023. (credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90)
“I call upon everyone to listen to the instructions of the Home Front Command, to show mutual support, and to stay resilient,” the president continued. “Together we can overcome all those who wish us harm.”
National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz said that “Hamas made a grave mistake and they will bear the consequences. All citizens of Israel stand behind the IDF and the security forces, and the government has full backing to exact a heavy price for any determined and responsible action.
“We will remain attentive, united and deliver a heavy and painful blow to the enemy,” he continued.
Lapid stated that he would announced that he would support a military response to the broad attacks against Israeli citizens.
However, Labor Party leader Merav Michaeli wrote on X: “Today is Netanyahu’s Yom Kippur – a terrible and shameful failure, and a very difficult morning. To start Saturday and the holiday morning children running to the stairwell and with terrible reports about what is happening in the southern settlements.”
Yisrael Beytenu Leader Avigdor Liberman stated that “Our strength is in our unity. Fifty years since the Yom Kippur War and once again we find ourselves in a war for the home against the enemy. The Israeli government must exact a heavy price from Hamas.”
Protests called off
Due to the terror escalation, the Kaplan Force announced the cancellation of the demonstration that was planned to take place Saturday evening in Tel Aviv.
“We stand by the IDF and the security forces carrying out their duties during this difficult time and hope for the restoration of calm and security,” the force said.
Brothers in Arms and Forum 555 also called on their followers to support the IDF and fight for Israel’s security.
“We call on everyone who is required to stand up for the defense of Israel to do so without hesitation and immediately,” Brothers in Arms said in a statement. “Right now, the most important thing is the security of the country.”
Bruno Mars’ performance at Yarkon Park on Saturday night has also been cancelled following the rocket attacks.
The scene where a rocket fired from Gaza into Southern Israel, hit and caused damaged in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon. October 7, 2023. (credit: EDI ISRAEL/FLASH90)
Blood donations needed
MDA said its blood services was organizing a special blood donation drive at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
“We earnestly request the public’s support and participation in this crucial initiative by coming forward to donate blood,” MDA said.
Further information regarding additional blood donation locations will be made available shortly.
Reuters contributed to this report. This is a developing story.
Content retrieved from: https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-762037.