Hamas has taken Israeli hostages, the IDF confirmed.
By GADI ZAIG, MAAYAN JAFFE-HOFFMANOCTOBER 7, 2023 06:40Updated: OCTOBER 7, 2023 19:02
The Hamas terrorist organization has taken Israelis captive in Gaza, the IDF has confirmed hours after a barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel Saturday.
Hamas terrorists infiltrated the country and took over Southern Israeli towns, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is at war.
“Since this morning, the State of Israel is at war,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, shortly after the IDF declared “Operation Swords of Iron.”
At least 100 people were announced dead by early evening and more than 900 wounded by Magen David Adom and the Health Ministry. The number of people captured has not yet been confirmed.
Among them, Ofir Liebstein, head of the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council, was killed in an exchange of fire with terrorists. Liebstein was killed as he defended his settlement during an attack. Deputy head of the council, Yossi Keren, is currently filling his place.
An aerial view shows vehicles on fire as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel October 7, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/ILAN ROSENBERG)
A second Israeli – a woman in her 60s – was killed when a rocket hit her building in the Gederot Regional Council.
The names and identities of the other victims had not yet been released, but the IDF said the numbers included several soldiers.
Upwards of 2,000 rockets were fired, the IDF said. Sirens sounded multiple times in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and southern Israel.
Shelters were opened across the country.
A direct hit was reported on a building in Ashkelon. Dozens of vehicles also caught fire in the city. Many parts of Ashkelon and the surrounding were without electricity.
In Ramla, four civilians who were trapped under a damaged building were rescued by the Israel Fire and Rescue personnel.
Smoke is seen in the Rehovot area as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip, in Israel October 7, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/ILAN ROSENBERG)
“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.
“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.
‘The State of Israel will win this war’
“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, as the IDF struck back with multiple forces.
Dozens of fighter jets and other aircraft of the IDF targeted 17 military facilities and four operational headquarters of the Hamas terrorist organization throughout the Gaza Strip, the IDF said.
“We have combat management over the Gaza Division, including support from combat helicopters; we have control there,” the IDF added. “We are conducting blockades with the Israel Police in all regions. There are airstrikes on several targets, such as tunnels, launchers, and fighter jets striking the border. Hundreds of such strikes have been carried out – resulting in many casualties, including numerous terrorists.
“The main effort is to eliminate all terrorists on the border and anyone attempting to return to the Gaza Strip. We first engage with aerial fire, followed by heavy ground assets,” the army said.
Gallant approved the draft of reserve soldiers per the IDF’s requirements. He also announced a “special security situation” in Israel’s Homefront, within a 0-80 km radius of the Gaza Strip. This status enables the IDF to provide civilians with safety instructions at close relevant sites.
“IDF is targeting all Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad targets in the Gaza Strip,” the IDF said. “Wherever there are Hamas operatives, they will be targeted, they have no immunity.”
Gallant added: “The State of Israel will win this war.”
In addition to the rockets, dozens of terrorists infiltrated numerous border points, the IDF said. There was also a maritime infiltration attempt into Kibbutz Zikim, as well as numerous border fence breaches.
In Ofakim and Be’er Sheva, there are events involving residents of the Arab community, and special forces with senior officers are handling the situation there, the IDF said. In Kibbutz Be’eri, also in Southern Israel, Hamas took dozens of Israelis hostages, according to media reports.
“We are conducting combat operations in 22 locations,” the IDF said. ” There is no settlement without our forces, in all the communities. Some settlements have been cleared, but additional sweeps are needed before declaring them safe.”
A building is ablaze following rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel October 7, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/ITAI RON)
Official response
Israeli officials held a security meeting in the afternoon and updated the public on Israel’s military plans.
“Our first goal is primarily to clear the territory of the enemy forces that have entered and restore security and calm to the settlements that have been attacked,” Netanyahu said. “The second goal, concurrently, is to exact a heavy price from the enemy, even in the Gaza Strip. The third goal is to fortify other areas so no one mistakenly joins this war.”
Injured seek medical attention
Hundreds of Israelis sought medical attention at hospitals throughout the country.
Magen David Adom (MDA) said it had treated hundreds of people throughout the country, including many in critical condition. In addition, MDA teams provided care for victims of anxiety and other minor injuries resulting from falls on the way to shelters.
Hospitals including Soroka Medical Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Asaf Harofeh Hospital, Samson Assuta Ashdod Hospital, Hadassah Medical Center, and Barzilai Medical Center all took in wounded.
Soroka reported treating close to 300 people, including 60 in serious condition.
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)
Politicians speak out
As the war waged on, Israeli officials from across the spectrum spoke out.
“The State of Israel is facing a difficult hour,” said President Isaac Herzog. “I stand with the IDF, its commanders, soldiers, and 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.
“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, “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 announce 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 tough morning. To start Saturday and the holiday morning, children run to the stairwell with terrible reports about what is happening in the southern settlements.”
Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman stated, “Our strength is our unity. Fifty years since the Yom Kippur War, we once again find ourselves in a war for the home against the enemy. The Israeli government must exact a heavy price from Hamas.”
Protest leaders also reacted, calling off the evening’s demonstration 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 Kaplan 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 country’s security.”
Content retrieved from: https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-762037.