Live updates – Israel at war: At least 1,200 killed, Hamas claims over 100 in captivity

Sirens sounded Saturday morning in Israeli cities and towns throughout the Jerusalem area, central Israel, and southern Israel, prompting the IDF to declare “Operation Swords of Iron.”

Multiple civilians reported hearing loud explosions in their immediate vicinity; as of 7:30 PM on Saturday, at least 3,000 rockets had been fired toward Israeli civilians.

Parallel to the rocket attacks, hundreds of terrorists infiltrated multiple Israeli communities, overtaking Israeli towns on the Gaza border, murdering Jews, and taking others back to Gaza as captives. At least 700 were killed, dozens were kidnapped, and over 2000 were injured in the attacks.

In response to the attacks, the IDF launched Operation Swords of Iron and has since been striking terror targets in the Gaza Strip.

Live Updates:

Wednesday, 10:34 a.m.: Forces identified that an antitank missile was fired from Lebanon towards an Israeli military position.

Wednesday, 10:29 a.m.: An IDF spokesperson has reported that the bodies of 1,000 terrorists have been found. It is estimated that there are hundreds more.

Wednesday, 9:35 a.m.: Following the rocket fire on Sderot, Magen David Adom has provided first aid to a 40-year-old man who suffered moderate injuries.

In addition, there have been four direct hits on buildings in Sderot.

Wednesday, 9:19 a.m.: There are no reports of injuries thus far, following a barrage of rockets fired towards Israeli communities on the Gaza border just after 9:00 a.m.

Wednesday, 6:20 a.m.: The IDF Spokesperson has confirmed that more than 1,200 people have been murdered and fallen since the beginning of the war.

Tuesday: 9:00 p.m. The death toll from the Hamas massacre on Saturday has surpassed 1,000.

Tuesday: 7:50 p.m. The Health Ministry announced that as of 7 p.m., 535 people who were injured in the Hamas massacre on Saturday remain hospitalized. Among the injured – 1 person is in critical condition, 105 people are in serious condition and 262 people are in moderate condition. The total number of injured since the start of the massacre has risen to 2,901.

Tuesday: 7:30 p.m. Red alert sirens activated in Ashkelon.

Tuesday: 7:02 p.m One terrorist infiltrator killed in Kibbutz Mefalsim. Security forces searching for additional infiltrators.

Tuesday: 7:00 p.m. Red alert sirens activate again in Ashkelon.

Tuesday: 6:44 p.m. Mayors of Israel’s southern communities demand that Prime Minister Netanyahu immediately form an emergency unity government to deal with the Hamas threat.

Tuesday: 6:40 p.m. Security forces are reportedly fighting terrorists in Sderot and Kibbutz Mefalsim.

Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. Red alert sirens activated again in Ashkelon.

Tuesday: 5:30 p.m. Red alert sirens activate in the western Galilee. A fresh volley of rockets is launched at Ashkelon.

Tuesday: 5:00 p.m. Hamas launches 10-minute long rocket barrage at Ashkelon and other communities in the south. Red alert sirens are activated for the first time in northern Samaria.

Tuesday: 4:46 p.m. Red alert sirens activate in Tel Aviv and many other communities in central Israel.

Tuesday: 4:31 p.m. Red alert sirens activated in numerous communities in the south.

Tuesday: 4:20 p.m. The IDF reports that 2 senior Hamas leaders in Gaza, Zachariah Abu Ma’amar and Jawad Abu Shamala, have been killed in airstrikes.

Tuesday: 3:50 p.m. Hamas warns residents of the southern coastal city of Ashkelon to evacuate by 5 p.m., NBC News reports.

Tuesday: 3:24 p.m. Red alert sirens activated in Tel Aviv and many communities in central Israel, signaling a massive rocket barrage from Gaza.

Tuesday: 3:20 p.m. Red alert sirens activated in Kfar Aza, other southern communities.

Tuesday: 3:00 p.m. Red alert sirens activated in Sderot area, Gaza periphery.

Tuesday: 3:00 p.m. The IDF confirmed that security forces eliminated four terrorists in the Zikim Beach area.

Tuesday, 2:54 p.m.: One person has been reported dead and two others are injured following the missile barrage on the Eshkol area.

Tuesday, 2:52 p.m.: The number of people injured since the start of the war with Hamas has risen to 2,806; the official number of dead remains at 900.

Sirens are now sounding in Israeli communities near Gaza.

Tuesday, 2:48 p.m.: An official source in Britain told BBC that there is a concern that over 10 British citizens may be missing or have been murdered in the Hamas attack.

Tuesday, 2:43 p.m.: Following sirens which sounded near the Gaza border, there are initial reports that two people sustained injuries after a rocket landed in Eshkol.

Tuesday, 2:07 p.m.: Israel has warned Egypt that if it provides supplies to Gaza, “we will blow up trucks,” Nir Dvori reported.

Tuesday, 1:32 p.m.: The IDF has identified a target moving towards Israeli territory, and fired an intercept towards it.

Tuesday, 12:39 p.m.: Sirens sound in Be’er Sheva, Omer, and Laqiya.

Tuesday, 11:47 a.m.: The IDF has reported that there is no threat of an aerial infiltration in the Golan Heights or the Galilee. “There is no concern of a security incident,” a spokesman confirmed.

Tuesday, 11:10 a.m.: IDF: A report was received regarding a suspected aerial infiltration in the area of the Golan Heights and the Upper Galilee. IDF soldiers are directing IDF aircraft and conducting searches in the area. Details to follow.

Tuesday, 11:04 a.m.: Israel estimates that at least 1,500 terrorists infiltrated Israeli territory on Saturday morning.

Tuesday, 10:44 a.m.: An IDF spokesperson has reported that there are 123 dead, and 50 families of captives have been notified.

Tuesday, 9:20 a.m.: The Health Ministry has reported that 544 of those injured in the attack are hospitalized, and 129 of them are critically or seriously injured.

Tuesday, 4:21 a.m.: Sirens sounded in Kfar Aza and Sa’ad, located near the Gaza border.

Tuesday, 4:00 a.m.: Sirens were sounded in communities located near the Gaza border.

Tuesday, 3:56 a.m.: Additional sirens sounded in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip.

Tuesday, 3:38 a.m.: Sirens in Nahal Oz and Alumim.

Tuesday, 3:31 a.m.: Sirens sounded in Gaza envelope region.

Tuesday, 2:50 a.m.: IDF soldiers exchanged fire with several terrorists at the Saad junction in the Gaza envelope. One terrorist was killed.

Tuesday, 2:40 a.m.: Sirens were sounded in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip. The IDF is investigating.

Monday: 8:50 p.m. Dozens of IAF aircraft have attacked in the last few hours and continue to attack many targets throughout the Rimal neighborhood in Gaza.

The IDF spokesman said that “the Rimal neighborhood is used as a terror nest for Hamas and many activities against Israel are carried out from there.”

Monday: 8:48 p.m. The IDF announced that “we have the details of most of the kidnapped Israelis. As of this time, the IDF has notified the families of 30 of those who were kidnapped. The professionals responsible for informing the families will continue to do so. ”

“The IDF will continue its efforts to locate those who were kidnapped and will keep updating the public regarding this matter.”

Monday: 8:00 p.m. The official death toll from the Hamas massacre was raised to at least 900.

Monday: 7:10 p.m. Another heavy rocket barrage was launched at southern Israeli communities, activating Red Alert sirens in many communities.

Monday: 6:50 p.m. A heavy rocket barrage was launched against Ashkelon and the communities of the Gaza envelope.

Monday: 6:13 p.m. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that he has ordered that the attacks against Hamas in Gaza be increased with the goal of eliminating all Hamas targets.

Monday: 5:56 p.m. The Health Ministry reported that the number of people injured in the Hamas attack has risen to 2,616

Monday: 5:45 p.m. Red alert sirens signaling a rocket attack activate in Be’er Sheva

Monday: 5:23 p.m. A rocket has reportedly landed in the Bethlehem area.

Monday: 5:20 p.m. A rocket attack was launched at the communities of Erez, Yad Mordechai, Karmia, and Netiv Ha’Asara in southern Israel.

Monday: 5:18 p.m. Multiple people were injured in falls while running for shelter during the latest rocket attack on Jerusalem and central Israel. The injuries occurred in Beitar Illit and the Jerusalem corridor.

Monday: 5:00 p.m. A massive barrage of rockets was fired at central Israel, including at the capital, Jerusalem.

Monday: 4:43 p.m. Gaza terrorists launched more rockets at southern Israel.

Monday 4:00 p.m. A large-scale rocket attack was launched against multiple communities southern Israel.

Monday: 3:58 p.m. The IDF reported that retaliatory strikes were underway against Hamas targets in Gaza.

Monday: 3:48 p.m. The US embassy in Israel reported that the number of American citizens who have been killed in the Hamas attack against Israel has risen to nine.

Monday: 3:36 p.m. Hamas terrorists have reportedly taken over a factory in southern Israel.

Monday: 3:30 p.m. Terrorists from Gaza launch more rockets at communities in southern Israel.

Monday: 3:06 p.m. A massive rocket barrage was launched at numerous communities in southern Israel.

Monday, 2:48 p.m.: A diplomatic source has denied the Reuters report claiming that talks regarding a possible prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas “are moving in a positive direction.”

“There are no negotiations,” the source said.

Monday, 2:31 p.m.: Qatar is brokering negotiations between Hamas and Israel regarding a prisoner swap between, Reuters reported, quoting sources. The swap would include the release of women and children kidnapped by Hamas on Saturday, in exchange for the release of 36 Palestinian Arab women and children held in Israeli prisons.

Monday, 2:20 p.m.: Israel’s Health Ministry has reported that 2,506 injured Israelis have been evacuated to hospitals since the start of the fighting. Currently, 578 victims are hospitalized, among them 157 who are severely injured, 259 who are moderately injured, and 161 who are lightly injured.

Monday, 1:57 p.m.: Energy Minister Yisrael Katz (Likud) has instructed the Mekorot company to immediately disconnect the water supply to the Palestinian Authority in Gaza.

Katz acted to receive the necessary permits to disconnect the supply of water from Israel to Gaza, and upon receipt of the approval, ordered the disconnection to immediately take place. Electricity and fuel supplies were cut off on Saturday. Katz has emphasized that his decision will remain unchanged until the war has ended, saying, “What was, will no longer be.”

Monday 1:50 p.m.: Additional sirens sound in Rishon Lezion and Holon

Monday 1:20 p.m.: Al Jazeera is reporting that at least 50 people were killed in an Israeli strike on the Jabalya “refugee” camp.

Monday, 12:44 p.m.: Direct hits have been reported in Ashdod and Ashkelon. In Ashdod, at least one woman suffered serious injuries from a rocket. A direct hit has been reported on a home in Sderot, though no one was reported injured.

There are also reports that homes near the Gaza border have been booby-trapped with explosives.

Monday, 12:32 p.m.: Sirens sound in Rishon Lezion, Holon, Yavne, Sderot, Bnei Darom, Ashdod, Palmahim, and other areas in central and southern Israel.

Monday, 12:25 p.m.: Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is holding a situational assessment at the Southern Command, alongside its commander, Major-General Yaron Finkelman.

“I have ordered an immediate closure of the Gaza Strip,” Gallant said. “There will be no electricity, no food, no gas – everything is closed. We are fighting animal-like people, and we will act accordingly.”

Monday: 12:00 p.m.: Heavy missile bombardment on locations in central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

MDA responded: “In response to the recent alarms sounded throughout Israel, Magen David Adom teams have been dispatched to reported impacted sites. As of now, there are no known casualties. Further updates will be provided as necessary.”

Monday 11:56 a.m.: IDF forces have thwarted a terrorist who is in the Kfar Aza area. Shootouts between terrorists and Israeli forces are ongoing.

Monday, 11:48 a.m.: There is a suspicion that aerial vehicles have infiltrated the Gaza border area. Parallel to this, a gunfight with terrorists is taking place in Kfar Aza.

Monday, 11:24 a.m.: An IDF spokesman told journalists: “We are in complete control in the towns. It could be that there are still terrorists in the area.” He added: “We have moved to offense; hundreds of Hamas terrorists have been killed in the border region.”

Monday 10:10 a.m.: A terrorist was stopped by IDF soldiers attempting to infiltrate the Zikim military base near the Gaza border. No Israelis were hurt.

Monday 9:24 a.m.: The Paratroopers Brigade is working to cleanse Sderot of terrorists.

Monday, 9:09 a.m.: There is a concern of a potential hostage situation in Sderot. There are also clashes with terrorists at a junction near Sderot; residents of the city are requested to remain in their homes.

Monday, 8:16 a.m.: The Health Ministry has reported that 2,382 people have been injured since the start of the war, and 22 of them are currently in critical condition.

Monday, 7:00 a.m.: According to the IDF, there are currently six active points of engagement between IDF soldiers and terrorists in the Gaza periphery.

Monday, 6:32 a.m.: Additional sirens sounded in Kibbutz Nir Oz. The IDF is investigating.

Monday, 6:20 a.m.: Sirens sounded in the Gaza envelope region as rocket fire resumed.

Monday, 5:58 a.m.: Bursts of gunfire were heard in Sderot as a result of a battle between three terrorists and security forces at the Gevim intersection.

Monday, 5:00 a.m.: Gunfire was heard near Sderot, and security forces were dispatched to the area.

Monday,3:38 a.m.: The IDF targeted a structure that housed Hamas terrorists and other Hamas structures.

Sunday, 11:52 p.m.: The Ministry of Health has updated that 2315 injured Israelis were taken to the hospital, among them: 23 were in critical condition, 340 were in serious condition, 449 were moderately hurt, 1233 were light, 56 were in a state of panic, and 202 had yet to be evaluated.

Sunday 11:45 p.m.: In the past hour, an Israeli missile ship struck three missile launch sites in the Gaza Strip.

Sunday 11:39 p.m.: Missile sirens sound in central Israel towns of Rishon Lezion and Nes Tsiona.

Sunday 11:30 p.m.: Approximately an hour ago, an Israeli military aircraft stopped a terrorist who attempted to cross the border fence from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory.

Sunday 11:10 p.m.: Senior Hamas official Musa Abu Marzuk told al-Ghad that his organization is holding more than 100 Israeli captives, including senior officers. This would appear to be in addition to the 30 captives the Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed to have taken.

Sunday 11:00 p.m.: CNN is reporting that at least three US citizens were murdered in the attack by Hamas on Saturday.

Sunday 10:47 p.m.: Israel’s Flotilla 13 navy commandos have captured the commander of the southern division of Hamas’ naval force, Mohammad Abu Ghali. The suspect is being interrogated by the defense echelon.

Sunday 10:30 p.m.: IDF says dozens of fighter jets struck 150 targets in Shuja’iyya.

Shuja’iyya is used as a “terror nest” for the Hamas terrorist organization. Many attacks against Israel originated in it, including during the recent invasion.

In parallel, terror infrastructure in the residence of Farah Hamed, a senior operative belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization, was targeted. The site was located adjacent to a mosque and three schools, which demonstrates that the Hamas terrorist organization takes advantage of holy sites and civilians to advance terror operations.

Sunday 10:00: The ZAKA organization has discovered 260 bodies at the site where terrorists attacked partygoers at a music festival near the Gaza Border.

Sunday 9:32: Kan News reported that IDF soldiers from the Golani Bragaide stopped terrorists while traveling near Urim in the Gaza envelope. The soldiers detained the terrorists.

Sunday 9:25: 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has been lit up with the Israeli flag in support of the Jewish state.

Sunday 9:20: The Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza claimed that it is holding 30 Israeli captives.

Sunday 8:40: Kan News reporter Amichai Stein reported that the American aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which carries approximately 75 fighter jets, is en route to Israel’s shores, together with its accompanying fleet.

Sunday 8:00: Heavy missile barrage into southern Israel

Sunday 7:36: The death toll has been updated to 700, 2,156 injured, and dozens are in Hamas captivity in Gaza.

Sunday 7:14: The IDF has released the names of additional casualties.

Sergeant Roi Weiser, 21 years old, from Efrat, a soldier in the 13th Golani Battalion

Sergeant Adir Gauri, 20 years old, from Jerusalem, a soldier in the elite Sayeret Matkal special operations unit

Corporal Ariel Eliyahu, 19 years old, from Mitzpe Yericho, a soldier in Battalion 77, Brigade 7

Sergeant Guy Simchai, 20 years old, from Gadera, a soldier in the paratrooper brigade

Corporal Shira Shohet, 19 years old, from Modi’in Maccabim Re’ut, a spotter in the 414 intelligence battalion

Sergeant Aharon Paresh, 36 years old, from Ofakim, a soldier in the Southern Command

Lt. Shilo Cohen, 24 years old, from Sderot, a soldier in the elite Shaldag airborne commando unit

Major Amir Skori, 31 years old, from Jerusalem, a soldier in Sayeret Matkal

Sergeant Major Ido Rosenthal, 45 years old, from Ben Shemen, a soldier in Shaldag

Major Ariel Ben Moshe, 27 years old, from Kiryat Bialik, a company commander in Sayeret Matkal

Corporal Danit Cohen, 19 years old, from Sderot, a soldier in the Southern District Headquarters

Sergeant Or Mizrahi, 21 years old, from Petach Tikva, a soldier in the Nahal reconnaissance unit

Sunday 7:05: Residents in Kibbutz Miflasim and in the town of Sderot are being ordered not to leave their homes until further notice.

Sunday 6:30: IDF Spokesperson says IDF fighter jets struck 120 terror targets in three rounds in the Beit Hanoun area in the Gaza Strip.

Beit Hanoun serves as a hub for the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip, from which many operations against Israel were launched, including over the last two days.

These strikes constitute a significant advancement in the IDF’s responsive strikes against the Hamas terrorist organization.

Simultaneously, a Hamas operational terror tunnel was struck. The tunnel was located under a multi-story building in the northern part of Gaza City. A mosque is located adjacent to the tunnel, proving once again that Hamas deliberately embeds its military infrastructure in civilian areas.

Sunday 5:50: Yisrael Beytenu Chairman MK Avigdor Lieberman has announced that if Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Gallant, and the IDF Chief of Staff announce that they will eliminate Hamas and its leaders, he will join an emergency unity government without preconditions.

Sunday 5:30: Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant completed a situation assessment focused on Israel’s home front, together with Ministry of Defense Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, Head of of the Homefront Command Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo and additional senior officials in the IDF’s Homefront Command and the Ministry of Defense.

Sunday 5:22: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed Brig. Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch to oversee the issue of those being held captive by Hamas.

Sunday 5:10: The Israeli Ministry of Health has updated that 2,156 wounded have been taken to hospitals, among them, 20 are in critical condition, and 338 are in serious condition.

Sunday 5:00: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the US is “very actively” working to verify reports that US citizens are among the dead and hostages.

Sunday 4:40: Fox News Will Cain host says Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan told him that there are dozens of American citizens among the hostages in Gaza.

Sunday 4:35: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the US has not seen evidence that Iran was behind the attack in Israel.

Sunday 3:55: A diplomatic official told Channel 12 that there are ongoing talks between Egypt and Hamas regarding the release on humanitarian grounds of the elderly and children who are being held hostage in Gaza.

Sunday 3:50: A short time ago, the Israeli Air Force began a fierce airstrike on the Gaza Strip using dozens of planes.

The IDF struck targets near the border fence in Beit Hanoun, which are used by Hamas to carry out attacks against Israel.

Sunday 3:45: Israeli carrier El-Al officially announced that efforts are being made to bring Israelis who are abroad back to Israel.

“We added flights from several locations in the world, and we will continue to add as we can. There are many requests to our service hotlines, and we are doing everything to serve everyone, and we are reinforcing our service hotline constantly.”

Sunday 3:00: The death toll has been raised to 600, over 2,048 are injured, some in severe and critical conditions.

Sunday: 2:33 The Political-Security Cabinet officially confirmed that Israel is in a state of war under Article 40 of Basic Law: The Government.

Sunday: 2:30 The death toll was raised again to 500.

Sunday 2:10 The death toll from the Hamas war on Israel officially rose to 400, while the number of injured surpassed 2,000 and now stands at 2,048.

Sunday: 12:00 Security forces pursued a vehicle believed to have been hijacked by terrorists from Gaza towards the north. The terrorists were believed to have a hostage in the vehicle. A shootout occurred during the chase, at the end of which the terrorists were neutralized.

Sunday: 10:13 The death toll from the Hamas war on Israel officially rose to 350.

Sunday: 7:54 Another rocket barrage fired at Tkuma and the Yizre’am Farm area in southern Israel.

Sunday: 7:27 Residents of the north report hearing explosions from rockets fired at Israeli territory from Lebanon in a possible sign that Hezbollah is joining the fighting. IDF responds with artillery fire.

Sunday: 7:26 The police continue to block a number of roads in the south due to the war and have asked drivers not to approach these roads.

Sunday 6:50: IDF spokesperson: “Throughout the night, Hamas targets in highrise buildings were struck in the Gaza Strip.

Sunday 6:30: The Israeli Airforce struck the homes of Hamas leaders in Gaza: Yahya Sinwar, Mahmoud a-Zahar, Nizar Awdallah, Fathi Hamid, Issam a-Da’lis. Kamel Abu Awan, and Abu Ma’uiz Sarj.

Sunday 5:20: After nearly an hour and a half of relative quiet, terrorists in Gaza have fired another barrage of missiles into the Gaza periphery.

Sunday 4:35: IDF is striking Hamas terror targets in Gaza.

Sunday 4:25: Security forces have regained control of the Sderot police station, which was captured by terrorists early Saturday morning. 10 terrorists were eliminated at the police station. Authorities in Sderot fear that there are more terrorists at large in the city.

Sunday 4:20: Forces eliminated an additional terrorist who was holed up in a home in Ofakim, the couple that was held hostage was taken to Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva.

Sunday 3:50 AM: The Taliban terror organization, which controls Afghanistan, has reportedly asked its neighbors for passage so it could join Hamas in its attack on Israel.

Belarusian news agency NEXTA tweeted: “Russia’s allies, the Taliban terrorist organization, supported Hamas: ‘If the Muslim countries neighboring Israel grant us the right of passage, we will conquer Jerusalem.'”

Sunday 3:21 AM: Speaking to Al Jazeera, Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Hamad said that the attack on Israel is “absolutely a message” to Muslim countries seeking normalization with Israel. He urged them to absolve themselves of this “great shame.”

Sunday 3:09 AM: MDA EMTs and paramedics are tending to a woman in her 50s who was severely injured from a rocket strike in Ashkelon, five others were lightly injured.

Sunday 3:00 AM: Reports of a confrontation between security forces and terrorists in Kibbutz Be’eri.

Sunday 2:40 AM: The hostage situation at the home in Ofakim has ended. Yamam forces (police special forces) eliminated the terrorists, and the couple that was held hostage were rescued unharmed.

Sunday 2:35 AM: Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon sustained a direct missile hit.

Sunday 2:30 AM: All areas under the jurisdiction of the IDF Gaza Division have been declared closed military zones. The IDF has clarified that entry of civilians into the area is strictly forbidden.

Sunday 2:25 AM: Security forces are breaching a sieged house in Ofakim.

Another heavy missile barrage on southern Israel.

Police are now saying there are five terrorists holding the police station in the town of Sderot.

Sunday 2:23 AM: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan.

According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, during the call, the two discussed “developments in the unprecedented situation in Gaza and its surroundings and the necessity to work to immediately stop the escalation, stressing the kingdom’s rejection of targeting civilians in any way and the need for all parties to respect international humanitarian laws.”

The Saudi Foreign Ministry added that the Minister stressed the need for “joint efforts to calm the situation and to avoid further violence.”

Sunday 2:15: Another heavy missile barrage on southern Israel

Sunday 2:10 AM: Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan remarked on the attack: “Today is Israel’s 9/11 moment. Life for us will never be the same after today’s vicious terror attacks by Hamas terrorists. 250 murdered Israelis is the equivalent of over 8,000 Americans. When we say never again, never again is now. May God bless the State of Israel.”

Sunday 2:00 AM: According to Israeli estimates, there are approximately 100 Israelis being held captive in Gaza, among them civilians, soldiers, and officers.

Sunday 1:54 AM: The IDF Spokesperson’s Arabic language desk has sent a message to the residents of the Gaza Strip stating: “For your security, you must leave your homes at once.”

Sunday 1:00 AM: It was reported that the hostages held in the Kibbutz Be’eri cafeteria were freed. At the same time, it was reported that four hostages were being held in Ofakim. It is not clear if these are the same hostages previously reported.

Sunday 12:30 AM: Hamas has claimed that it has a much larger number of Israeli captives than what Israel believed.

A spokesperson for Hamas’ military arm said, “The number of Israeli captives is several times higher than what Netanyahu believes. They have been spread through all of the roads in Gaza, and they will go through what the population in the Strip is going through.”

Saturday 10:30 PM: US President Joe Biden spoke with Jordan’s King Abdullah following his conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Saturday 10:00 PM: Bulldozers began demolishing the police station in Sderot, while a terrorist was holding out inside. Later, the terrorist escaped the police station.

Saturday 9:00 PM: sirens sounded in Rishon Lezion, Beit Dagan, Holon, Ganot, and Mishmar Hashiva.

Saturday 8:00 PM: Air raid sirens were activated in Ness Ziona, Rehovot, Herzliya, and various other communities. Less than ten minutes later, a second barrage was fired toward Ramat Gan, Kfar Chabad, Yavne, Rishon Lezion, Tel Aviv, and other areas. Magen David Adom reported hits and injuries in Yavne, Givatayim, Bat Yam, Beit Dagan, Tel Aviv, and Rishon Lezion.

Three people were seriously injured by one of the barrages on central Israel. At the same time, a building in Bat Yam was reported hit by the barrage; no one was injured, but damage was caused.

Following this, the IDF reported that it is striking a number of targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza.

The barrages were fired as Jews around Israel celebrated the Simchat Torah holiday, and in many cases disrupted the holiday prayer services.

Israel’s Health Ministry reported that 1,104 injured Israelis have been evacuated to hospitals. Of these, 17 are in critical condition, 200 are in serious condition, 226 are in moderate condition, 451 suffered only light injuries, 11 suffered shock, and 142 are being evaluated.

A government meeting was interrupted by the rocket fire on Tel Aviv but resumed following the barrage. It has since concluded.

It was later reported that the IAF continued its attacks on targets belonging both to Hamas and to Islamic Jihad.

Upon the conclusion of the Sabbath and the Simchat Torah holiday, it was reported that a shootout was taking place in a home in Ofakim, where hostages were being held, and a terrorist was threatening to set off a grenade that would kill the residents of the home.

Approximately 50 residents of Kibbutz Be’eri were taken hostage and held by terrorists in the town’s cafeteria. At the same time, shootouts took place in Kfar Aza and Sderot. Some of the terrorists were eliminated, and some of the terrorists were arrested and brought to the Netivot police station.

Among the dead is Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council Chairman Ofir Liebstein, as well as the Sderot fire station chief and a firefighter.

Israel Railways is operating, in coordination with the IDF and Transportation Ministry, special trains for IDF soldiers, traveling north to south, from 5:00p.m. and according to demand. The railway also said that, “Operations at the Ofakim, Netivot, and Sderot stations will not be resumed until further notice.”

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