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Here is footage of the aftermath of the Ashkelon rocket attack distributed by the IDF:
RIGHT NOW: Barzilai Medical Center—in southern Israel—was targeted by Hamas rocket fire.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 8, 2023
Hours before the strike, Dr. Chezy Levy, the Director of the medical center, and his staff moved patients to safety.
This is indiscriminate fire against civilians. The IDF will not stand… pic.twitter.com/OS0HLo3CQU
Broadcaster Kan has also reported a rocket attack on the city of Ashkelon, with the Barzilai hospital there hit. No casualties were reported. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said doctors had already moved patients to safety.
הירי לאשקלון: בת 50 נפצעה קשה מפגיעה בבניין מגורים בעיר, 5 נוספים במצב קל@Itsik_zuarets
— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) October 8, 2023
Updated
Hostages in Ofakim rescued - report
Israeli broadcaster Kan has reported that an Israeli couple being held hostage in Ofakim has been rescued, with three soldiers “moderately and lightly wounded” and the hostage takers killed.
It has also reported that Israeli forces have regained complete control of the police station in the city of Sderot, saying 10 terrorists had been killed.
The Brandenburg Gate is illuminated in the colours of the Israeli flag in Berlin on Saturday night.
Updated
In the past 90 minutes, the Israel Defense Forces have banned anyone from entering Gaza and “asks the public to be vigilant”. It has also claimed its fighter jets recently attacked three Hamas operational headquarters, and its Navy units had seen off an attack by seven terrorists in the area of Zikim beach in the territory of Israel.
The Empire State building lights up in the colours of the Israeli flag.
Tonight from 10-11PM the Empire State Building will shine in the colors of the Israeli flag pic.twitter.com/1yU4HDbSVA
— Empire State Building (@EmpireStateBldg) October 7, 2023
Updated
Israel’s security cabinet has finished its meeting. Netanyahu’s office has said it has approved steps to destroy the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad “for many years,” including cutting electricity and fuel supplies and the entry of goods into Gaza.
Earlier, the energy minister Israel Katz ordered the electricity supply to Gaza to be halted, saying in a statement: “It’s not going to be how it was.” Gaza is largely reliant on Israel for its power supplies.
Summary
Here is a summary of what we know so far as the Israeli military response to attacks by Hamas enters day two.
At least 250 Israelis have died in Hamas attacks, Israeli officials have said. More than 1,590, Israelis have been wounded, Israel’s health ministry said.
At least 230 Palestinians have been killed and 1,610 wounded in Gaza by Israeli retaliation after the Hamas attack.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the country is “embarking on a long and difficult war” and that the first stage would be over in the coming hours.
Israeli civilians and soldiers are held hostage in Gaza, a spokesperson for the Israeli defense forces confirmed. The spokesperson declined to specify the number of hostages.
The US president, Joe Biden, issued a staunch condemnation of the attacks by Hamas against Israel, saying in an address on Saturday “The United States stands with Israel”. He issued a statement earlier calling the attacks “horrific” and an “appalling assault.”
Hamas militants entered Israeli territory in the early hours of Saturday morning, appearing to take control of various communities in the south of the country. Fighting is still going on in some areas.
Hamas fired thousands of rockets towards Israel, according to Israeli authorities. The Hamas military commander, Mohammed Deif, said 5,000 had been fired, but an Israeli military spokesperson said 2,500 had been fired.
Israel has launched retaliatory airstrikes, sending the area’s already crumbling medical infrastructure into chaos.
Netanyahu has offered a unity government after declaring a state of war. The move would bring Netanyahu and the opposition Yesh Atid leader, Yair Lapid, together during the national emergency.’
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas told US secretary of state Antony Blinken that “injustice” towards Palestinians is driving the conflict with Israel to an “explosion”, Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. The agency also reported Abbas received a phone call from his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in which Abbas “emphasised that the current escalation in the region is a result of the political impasse” and a “denial of the Palestinian people’s legitimate right to self-determination”.
The UN security council is due to meet on Sunday. The UN secretary general, António Guterres, condemned the attack by Hamas and urged “all diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider conflagration”, UN spokesperson Steéphane Dujarric said in a statement.
The White House said that US and Israeli officials have been discussing Israel’s defence needs in the wake of Saturday’s Hamas attack and that an announcement of military aid could come “as early as tomorrow”.
Egypt is in talks with Saudi Arabia and Jordan in a bid to defuse Palestinian-Israeli tensions, the Egyptian foreign ministry said on Saturday.
Jordan’s foreign minister Ayman Safadi discussed in a phone call with European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell the need for international action to stop escalation in Gaza and “create a real political horizon to end the occupation”, the Jordanian foreign ministry said in a statement.
Saudi Arabia, which has been in talks with the US about normalising relations with Israel, called on both sides to exercise restraint.
UK prime minister Rishi Sunak said the UK government stands in “full solidarity” with Israel against a “cowardly and depraved” attack.
The US does not have anything to suggest Iran was involved in “specific” Hamas attacks on Israel, a senior official said. The official also denied that Iran had any specific warning or indicator of the strike before it happened.
The UN peacekeeping force has been deployed along the Lebanon-Israel border to “maintain stability and help avoid escalation”.
The Metropolitan police in London said it is aware of a “number of incidents” related to the Israel conflict in parts of London, it has said in a statement. As a result, the force has increased policing patrols across parts of London.
Updated
Netanyahu: "We are embarking on a long and difficult war."
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said online that the country is “embarking on a long and difficult war” and that the first stage would be over in the coming hours, a possible reference to the elimination of the estimated 200-300 militants that entered Israeli territory on Saturday morning.
“The first phase ends in these hours by destroying most of the enemy forces that have penetrated our territory. At the same time, we started the offensive formation and it will continue without reservation and without respite - until the goals are achieved. We will restore security to the citizens of Israel and we will win.”
Updated
Blinken has also held talks with Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan and encouraged Ankara’s engagement, Miller said.
US secretary of state Antony Blinken has held a call with European counterparts: German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock, Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani, UK foreign secretary James Cleverly, and the EU’s chief foreign diplomat, Josep Borrell.
Blinken’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said: “They discussed the unprecedented scale and brutality of the Hamas attacks on Israeli territory, which they condemned in the strongest terms. The secretary underlined the United States’ support for Israel’s right to defend itself and encouraged continued engagement by Quint countries and the EU.”
Quint refers to a grouping of countries made up of the US, France, Germany, Italy and the UK.
The Israeli military giving civilians in Gaza very specific evacuation instructions. Telling them to move deeper into the strip in multiple areas. It appears Israel will soon start a heavier ground and/or air response.
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) October 7, 2023
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese has said he supports Israel’s right to defend itself and has said the Israeli ambassador was “very shaken” when he spoke to him on Sunday morning. He says the Australian government is urging restraint and is concerned about escalation in the region but condemns violence against civilians.
“This is indiscriminate. Civilians being targeted, killed and murdered, as well as many of them being taken hostage. This is dreadful,” he said.
The prime minister said that, based on the advice he has at the time, all “Australians are safe”. He says there are Australia Defence Force personnel in the region, but there is no risk to their safety.
Alex Ryvchin, the co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry had called upon Australias government to “condemn without equivocation these flagrant crimes”.
“Any calls for de-escalation by ‘both sides’ or attempts to draw equivalences between the crimes of a terrorist organisation and the defensive measures of a sovereign and democratic state are misconceived and only play into the hands of the terrorists,” he said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Israel at this time.”
Israel warns residents in several districts of Gaza to flee to central locations… many families leaving their homes
— Secunder Kermani (@SecKermani) October 7, 2023
Major Israeli assault likely to begin as battles with Hamas militants inside Israel wind down…
Expect high numbers of Palestinian casualties in coming days
The scale and deadly nature of Saturday’s attack has been compared to the Yom Kippur war, which took place 50 years ago this week, when a joint surprise offensive was launched by Syrian forces in the Golan and Egyptian forces in the Sinai peninsula. Our Jerusalem correspondent, Bethan McKernan, has more here on the 19 days of war that changed Israel, the region, the trajectory of the cold war, and caused a global oil crisis.
Hello, Graham Russell here taking over from Nadeem Badshah to continue to bring you the latest developments in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories in the wake of a surprise attack by Hamas that has led to hundreds of deaths.
Aa spokesperson for the Israeli army has said recently fighting with Hamas was still continuing in parts of southern Israel and that the situation was not entirely under control.
The spokesperson also that the high number of hostages taken by Hamas would shape Israel’s response.
A summary of today's developments
At least 250 Israelis have died in Hamas attacks, Israeli officials have said. Meanwhile, more than 1,590, Israelis have been wounded, Israel’s health ministry said.
At least 230 Palestinians have been killed and 1,610 wounded in Gaza by Israeli retaliation after the Hamas attack.
There are reports of Israeli hostages in Gaza.
Benjamin Netanyahu has offered a unity government after declaring a state of war. The move would bring Netanyahu and the opposition Yesh Atid leader, Yair Lapid, together during the national emergency. Netanyahu made the offer during a meeting with Lapid and the National Unity party leader, Benny Gantz, according to the Times of Israel.
Saudi Arabia, which has been in talks with the US about normalising relations with Israel, called on both sides to exercise restraint.
The UN security council is due to meet on Sunday. The UN secretary general, António Guterres, condemned the attack by Hamas and urged “all diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider conflagration”, UN spokesperson Steéphane Dujarric said in a statement.
The Metropolitan Police in London said it is aware of a “number of incidents” related to the Israel conflict, it has said in a statement. As a result, the force has increased policing patrols across parts of London. It is also aware that Saturday’s attacks may lead to protests over the coming days.
Updated
The White House said that US and Israeli officials have been discussing Israel’s defence needs in the wake of Saturday’s Hamas attack and that an announcement of military aid could come “as early as tomorrow”.
A senior administration official said that Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu discussed “ensuring that the Israelis had all the support they needed” and that the specifics were discussed in a subsequent conversation between US defence secretary, Lloyd Austin, and his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant.
The US official pointed out that after the last major conflict between Israel and Hamas in 2021, Biden pushed through a $1bn replenishment of interceptors for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system. Last year, the president also signed the ‘Jerusalem declaration’ restating US commitment to Israeli security.
“It was reaffirmed today and we are in deep talks with the Israelis about some of their particular needs as they respond to this terrible assault on the Israeli state and the Israeli people,” the senior US official said. “Really up and down our military chains, there is regular coordination about some of the needs that Israel anticipates and I am not going to get ahead of that process..but I would say that that is very much underway, and we might have more to say about it as early as tomorrow.”
The White House said it was sharing available intelligence with Israel, but said there was no proof as yet that Tehran was behind the Hamas attack.
“We don’t have anything to indicate Iran was involved in the specifics of what is unfolding now,” the official said. “But in terms of Iran’s full support for Hamas, Hamas would not exist without that support over many, many years and decades..and that is why we continue to hold Iran accountable for its support for terrorist groups, whether Hamas or Lebanese Hezbollah.”
As for Hezbollah’s threats of intervention if Israel launches a ground war in Gaza, the senior US official briefing reporters said that the US had conveyed messages to “anyone who might seek to take advantage in any way” that it would be a “huge mistake in this situation”.
The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, has held talks with Egypt about Saturday’s fighting.
I spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry about the horrific attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel. We appreciate Egypt’s ongoing efforts and reiterate the urgent need to halt the Hamas attacks.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 7, 2023
Rishi Sunak said the UK government stands in “full solidarity” with Israel against a “cowardly and depraved” attack.
As the barbarity of today’s atrocities becomes clearer, we stand unequivocally with Israel.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 7, 2023
This attack by Hamas is cowardly and depraved.
We have expressed our full solidarity to @netanyahu and will work with international partners in the next 24 hours to co-ordinate support.
Australia’s foreign minister Penny Wong has “unequivocally” condemned attacks by Hamas against Israel and says Australia recognises the country’s right to defend itself.
Wong added that “Australia urges the exercise of restraint & protection of civilian lives”.
“Australia unequivocally condemns the attacks on Israel by Hamas including indiscriminate rocket fire on cities & civilians.
“We call for these attacks to stop, and recognise Israel’s right to defend itself.”
The number of Israelis injured in the Hamas attacks has risen from 1,452 to 1,590, the country’s health ministry said.
The US does not have anything to suggest Iran was involved in “specific” Hamas attacks on Israel, a senior official said.
The official also denied that Iran had any specific warning or indicator of the strike before it happened.
Updated
London police increase patrols following 'incidents'
The Metropolitan Police in London said it is aware of a “number of incidents” related to the Israel conflict, it has said in a statement.
As a result, the force has increased policing patrols across parts of London.
It is also aware that Saturday’s attacks may lead to protests over the coming days.
“We remain in contact with partners and community leaders to listen to any concerns,” it added.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 7, 2023
Updated
The total number of Israelis captured by Hamas in a surprise attack on Israeli towns on Saturday was “several times greater” than dozens, a spokesperson for the armed wing of Hamas said in a recording.
The spokesman said those taken captive were spread throughout all areas of the Gaza strip, Reuters reports.
The UN peacekeeping force has been deployed along the Lebanon-Israel border to “maintain stability and help avoid escalation”.
It said it is closely monitoring the situation in Israel and has “enhanced” its presence in the area and this includes counter rocket launching operations, Sky News reported.
Israeli commander killed during fighting
An Israeli commander, Lieutenant Colonel Yonatan Steinberg, has been killed, the country’s military said.
Steinberg was the commander of the Nahal Brigade, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said.
🥀🕯️The Commander of the Nahal Brigade, COL Jonathan Steinberg was killed today during a confrontation with a terrorist.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 7, 2023
COL Steinberg, 42 years old from Kibbutz Shomria. The IDF sends its heartfelt condolences to his family and will continue to support them in this difficult… pic.twitter.com/zHyNjzg8My
“It was allowed to be published that the commander of the Nahal Brigade, the late Lt. Col. Yonatan Steinberg, was killed today in an encounter with a terrorist near Kerem Shalom,” a spokesman said.
The 42-year-old was on his way to “an exchange of fire” being conducted by his troops at the time he was killed, the statement continued.
“The IDF shares in the family’s grief and will continue to accompany it,” it added.
The number of Palestinians injured in the retaliatory Israeli strikes has risen from 1,610 to 1,700, health officials in the Gaza Strip said.
A spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) has denied Israeli media reports that UN peacekeepers had left their posts.
Andrea Tenenti posted on X: “Unifil is fully deployed along the blue line [the demarcation line on the border with Israel].”
UNIFIL is fully deployed along the Blue Line. Our peacekeepers are working throughout the night to defuse tension, maintain stability, and help avoid escalation.
— Andrea Tenenti (@Tenenti) October 7, 2023
Updated
Saudi Arabia said its foreign minister had told U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken that the kingdom rejects the targeting of unarmed civilians “in any way”.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan also called for “concerted efforts to calm the situation and avoid further violence,” the Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement.
The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, has urged the Palestinian National Authority to restore calm and stability in the West Bank in a call with the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, on Saturday.
Blinken “reiterated the United States’ unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, and called on all leadership in the region to condemn them,” a State Department spokesperson said.
“The secretary urged the Palestinian authority to continue and enhance steps to restore calm and stability in the West Bank.”
Updated
Israeli airstrikes destroyed a tower block in Gaza City after Hamas militants launched a rocket and air attack on Israel in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The Israeli army launched Operation Iron Swords against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, with Israel’s president, Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the country, is ‘at war’.
Updated
Netanyahu offers to form unity government after declaring a state of war
Benjamin Netanyahu has offered a unity government after declaring a state of war.
The move would bring Netanyahu and the opposition Yesh Atid leader, Yair Lapid, together during the national emergency.
Netanyahu made the offer during a meeting with Lapid and the National Unity party leader, Benny Gantz, according to the Times of Israel.
Updated
Egypt is in talks with Saudi Arabia and Jordan in a bid to defuse Palestinian-Israeli tensions, the Egyptian foreign ministry said on Saturday.
Egypt’s foreign minister, Sameh Shoukry, in phone calls with his Saudi and Jordanian counterparts, underlined the importance of “uniting international and regional efforts” to contain the escalating violence, a statement read.
Updated
Benjamin Netanyahu vowed “mighty vengeance” against Hamas.
In a brief video address, Israel’s prime minister said Hamas would be held responsible for the well-being of the captives and said Israel would settle the score with anyone who harmed them.
At least 250 people in Israel killed and around 232 people killed in Gaza Strip
At least 250 people in Israel were killed, with at least 1,800 injured, according to Israeli officials. The Red Crescent said 92 people had been injured in the West Bank. On Israeli television, family members of the dead, and of dozens of missing people taken hostage by Hamas, wept down phones as they described how their homes and communities had been attacked while families slept.
In the Gaza Strip, at least 232 people were killed and 1,650 injured in the retaliatory Israeli airstrikes, sending the area’s already crumbling medical infrastructure into chaos.
Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan discussed the conflict between Israel and Palestinians with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken, a Turkish foreign ministry source said.
The source provided no further information. Fidan previously spoke to his Qatari, Saudi, Iranian, Egyptian, and Palestinian counterparts about the fighting, Reuters reported.
Hundreds of people attending a desert party in Kibbutz Re’im fled after the attack by Hamas.
Contact has been lost with those who fled with their friends and relatives trying to gather information on social media, the website ynetnews reported.
Jordan’s foreign minister Ayman Safadi discussed in a phone call with European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell the need for international action to stop escalation in Gaza, the Jordanian foreign ministry said in a statement.
“Al-Safadi stressed the need to protect the region from the consequences of a new cycle of violence, create a real political horizon to end the occupation, and stop all measures that foment tension and undermine the chances of achieving a two-state solution,” the statement read, Reuters reports.
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas told U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken that “injustice” towards Palestinians is driving the conflict with Israel to an “explosion”, Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.
In a phone call, Abbas also said the ongoing escalation is down to the “practices of the colonialists and the Israeli occupation forces, and the aggression against Islamic and Christian sanctities,” according to WAFA.
US president Joe Biden delivers remarks on Hamas's attacks: "The United States stands with Israel"
Joe Biden issued staunch condemnation of the attacks by Hamas against Israel, saying in an address on Saturday:
“In this moment of tragedy, I want to say to [Hamas] and the world and to terrorists everywhere: The United States stands with Israel. We will not ever fail to have her back.
We’ll make sure they’ll have the help their citizens need and they can continue to defend themselves…
Israel has the right to defend itself and its people, full stop. There is never a justification for terrorist attacks and my administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering…
This is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage. The world is watching.”
Biden went on to say that he has directed his national security team to engage with their Israeli counterparts, “military to military, intelligence to intelligence, diplomat to diplomat, to make sure Israel has what it needs.”
He added that he has also directed his team to remain in “constant contact” with leaders throughout the region including Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, the UAE as well as the US’s European counterparts and the Palestinian Authority.
“Jill and I are praying for those families who have been impacted by this violence. We grieve with those who have lost their loved ones, lost a piece of their soul. We have hope for swift recovery for many who have been wounded,” he said, adding that he will remain in close contact with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
An earlier post about the former UK Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn (here) has been edited. It previously described a statement Corbyn made on X about Israel-Palestine as having been posted on Saturday, when in fact it was posted earlier in the week. We apologise for this error.
Updated
Palestine president Mahmoud Abbas received a phone call from his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in which Abbas “emphasized that the current escalation in the region is a result of the political impasse,” Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on Saturday.
Abbas also pointed to the “denial of the Palestinian people’s legitimate right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, their land, and their sacred sites, and the continued terrorism of Israeli settlers,” WAFA said.
“The President stated that ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land with East Jerusalem as its capital, recognizing the Palestinian people’s right to independence and sovereignty, and granting full UN membership would ensure security, stability, and peace in the region,” WAFA continued.
He went on to call on Macron to “urgently intervene to halt the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people by Israeli occupation forces and extremist settler groups,” the outlet added.
Jeremy Corbyn, the former UK Labour leader, has called for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
On Saturday, he called for an “immediate ceasefire and urgent de-escalation,” saying, “Ending the occupation is the only means of achieving a just and lasting peace.”
The unfolding events in Israel and Palestine are deeply alarming.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) October 7, 2023
We need an immediate ceasefire and urgent de-escalation.
And we need a route out of this tragic cycle of violence: ending the occupation is the only means of achieving a just and lasting peace.
Updated
Here is video of Israel’s military response as the Israel-Palestine war escalates following Hamas’s launch of its aerial and ground operation from Gaza:
At least 150 Israelis have died in Hamas attacks, Reuters reports Israeli local outlet N12 saying.
Meanwhile, over 1,100 Israelis have been wounded, Israel’s health ministry said.
On Saturday, the Hamas armed wing said that it has fired 150 rockets at Tel Aviv, Reuters reports.
US president Joe Biden has issued a statement condemning the attacks in Isael, calling them “horrific” and an “appalling assault.”
“The United States unequivocally condemns this appalling assault against Israel by Hamas terrorists from Gaza, and I made clear to prime minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the government and people of Israel,” he said.
“Terrorism is never justified. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people. The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation. My administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering.
Jill and I are keeping in our prayers all of the families who have been hurt by this violence. We are heartbroken by the lives that have been tragically cut short and hope for a swift recovery for all those who have been wounded,” Biden added, saying that he will track the situation closely and remain in close touch with Netanyahu.
Israeli planes bombed the house of Hamas Gaza chief Yehya Al-Sinwar in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, Hamas media said on Saturday, with no reports of casualties, Reuters reports.
The International Rescue Committee has issued the following statement on the situation in Israel and Gaza:
“We are dismayed by the dramatic escalation of violence and mourn the extensive loss of civilian life in Israel and Gaza today.
We are focused on the humanitarian needs of civilians in the coming days. We are assessing needs on the ground and IRC’s capacity to ensure critical, life-saving humanitarian relief reaches affected civilian populations.
The IRC calls on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure humanitarian access to those affected.”
The US defence secretary, Lloyd Austin, announced on Saturday that he had spoken with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, about the “appalling terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel”.
“I reaffirmed US commitment to Israel’s security, and will stay in close touch with minister Gallant in the coming days and weeks to ensure Israel has the support it needs,” said Austin.
I just spoke w/ Israeli Minister of Defense Gallant to convey my condolences for this appalling terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel. I reaffirmed U.S. commitment to Israel’s security, and will stay in close touch with Minister Gallant in the coming days and weeks to ensure Israel…
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) October 7, 2023
A press statement released by the defence department said that Austin had directed his team to ensure that it consulted closely with “all of our allies and partners who share a commitment to peace and oppose terrorism”.
Updated
The Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has expressed outrage over the attack, writing on X:
“I strongly condemn today’s atrocious terrorist attack against Israel, causing a high number of casualties among civilians. We stand by the people of Israel and fully support its right to self-defense.”
I strongly condemn today’s atrocious terrorist attack against Israel, causing a high number of casualties among civilians. We stand by the people of Israel and fully support its right to self- defense.
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) October 7, 2023
The two countries have forged strong ties in recent years, joining forces with Cyprus to accelerate oil and gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean and co-staging military exercises. The warming in ties followed the cooling of relations between Israel and Turkey under the Islamic-rooted party of president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The central board of Jewish communities in Greece also expressed solidarity with Israel.
“Fifty years after the Yom Kippur war, Israel is defending itself against a widespread onslaught of murderous Islamists who are targeting the lives and safety of Israeli citizens in their own homes in an attempt to make their stated goal of wiping the Jewish state off the map come true. They will not succeed!”
Updated
In a speech on Saturday, Hamas’s leader, Ismail Haniyeh, told Arab countries that Israel cannot provide them with protection, Reuters reports.
Haniyeh added that armed Palestinian factions plan to extend Gaza’s fight into the West Bank and Jerusalem, saying: “The battle moved into the heart of the Zionist entity.”
Updated
Turkey has strongly condemned the loss of civilian lives in the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, saying it was ready to help de-escalate the situation before it spreads across wider regions.
In a statement, the Turkish foreign ministry said Ankara was in close contact with all relevant parties, repeating a call for restraint made by the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The ministry also urged Turkish citizens in the region to remain in secure, indoor locations.
“We emphasise that acts of violence and escalation linked to this benefit nobody,” it said.
“Turkey is ready to provide any help it can to ensure that the developments in question do not escalate further and get taken under control without spreading to a wider region. In that regard, we are continuing our close contacts with the relevant parties.”
Updated
International leaders condemned an unprecedented incursion by Palestinian militants into southern Israel, while governments across the Middle East called for restraint after an attack that shook the Israeli security establishment.
“This attack is having a horrific impact on Israeli civilians,” the UN high commissioner for human rights, Volker Türk, said in a statement, calling on Israel to avoid civilian casualties in its response.
“Civilians must never be the target of attack,” he said.
Israel responded by attacking the Gaza Strip, leaving at least 198 people dead and almost 2,000 wounded, according to the health ministry.
The US defence secretary, Lloyd Austin, said his organisation would send support to Israel.
The UN security council is due to meet on Sunday.
The UN secretary-general, António Guterres, condemned the attack by Hamas and urged “all diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider conflagration”, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
“The secretary-general is deeply concerned for the civilian population and urges maximum restraint.
“Civilians must be respected and protected in accordance with international humanitarian law at all times,” Dujarric added.
Updated
The US president, Joe Biden, said he told Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, that his country was ready to offer “all appropriate means of support “after Palestinian Islamist group Hamas launched an attack on Israel.
“I made clear to prime minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the government and people of Israel,” Biden said in a statement.
“Israel has a right to defend itself and its people. The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation,” he added.
Updated
The US defence secretary, Lloyd Austin, said on Saturday morning that he was “closely monitoring” the attack in Israel after Hamas gunmen infiltrated into Israeli towns and villages and launched a large aerial operation from the blockaded Gaza Strip.
“Over the coming days the Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism,” Austin said in a statement.
The White House national security council spokesperson echoed Austin’s condemnation of the attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians.
“There is never any justification for terrorism,” Adrienne Watson said. “National security adviser Jake Sullivan has spoken to Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi and we remain in close contact with our Israeli partners.”
Updated
What we know so far
Israel and Hamas are once again at war after the Palestinian militant group launched a large aerial and ground operation this morning from the blockaded Gaza Strip.
Over 2,000 rockets were fired from Gaza toward Israel, according to the Israeli military, and Hamas gunmen infiltrated multiple of Israeli towns and villages on the periphery.
Israel has responded with air strikes in the Gaza Strip.
Fighting is still ongoing in southern Israel.
The Israeli military confirmed that civilians and soldiers have been taken hostage and are now in Gaza, without providing a number. Local media estimates there are tens of hostages.
The death toll in Israel is at least 100, with about 1000 injured, according to Israel’s emergency services.
The death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 198 with 1,610 injured, according to the Palestinian health authorities.
Updated
An estimated 200 to 300 terrorists had entered Israel and tens are still hiding, a police source told Haaretz.
Updated
UN peacekeepers boost Lebanon presence
The United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon said today it had enhanced its presence near Lebanon’s southern border with Israel, including “counter rocket-launching operations”, Reuters reports.
Updated
Red Cross ‘ready to visit anyone detained’
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said that it is “extremely concerned by the alarming intensification of armed violence in Israel and the Occupied Territories this morning.”
“We are aware of reports relating to people being captured or detained,” said Fabrizio Carboni, ICRC regional director for the Near and Middle East.
“I want to make it clear that carrying out, or threatening to carry out, an act of hostage-taking is prohibited under international humanitarian law. Anyone detained, including combatants, must be treated humanely and with dignity.”
“In our role as a neutral intermediary, we are ready to visit anyone detained so we can check on their well-being and provide news to their loved ones,” he added.
Israeli defense forces acknowledge hostages in Gaza
Israeli civilians and soldiers are held hostage in Gaza, a spokesperson for the Israeli defense forces now confirms.
The spokesperson declined to specify the number of hostages.
Updated
Brazil to call UN security council meeting
Brazil, which holds the presidency of the United National security council, will call an emergency meeting, the country’s foreign ministry said.
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Humza Yousaf, first minister of Scotland, wrote on social media that he and his wife spent the morning talking to her family in Gaza. “My thoughts and prayers are very much with those worried about loved ones caught up in this awful situation.”
My wife Nadia & I spent this morning on the phone to her family in Gaza. Many others in Scotland will be deeply worried about their families in Israel & Palestine. My thoughts and prayers are very much with those worried about loved ones caught up in this awful situation. https://t.co/s3ruAYXcQ1
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) October 7, 2023
Netanyahu speaks with Biden
The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has spoken on the phone with the US president, Joe Biden.
“US President Joe Biden called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and emphasized that the US stands alongside Israel and fully supports Israel’s right to self-defense,” Netanyahu’s office wrote on X.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked US President Biden for the unreserved support and made it clear that a forceful, prolonged campaign – which Israel will win – is necessary.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked US President Biden for the unreserved support and made it clear that a forceful, prolonged campaign – which Israel will win – is necessary.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 7, 2023
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“We unequivocally condemn the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel,” the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, says.
We unequivocally condemn the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 7, 2023
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We have enough Israeli captives to free detainees, Hamas official says
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Hamas deputy chief Saleh al-Arouri, said that “we managed to kill and capture many Israeli soldiers” and “the fighting is still on”.
As to our prisoners I say, your freedom is looming large. What we have in hand will see you set free. The longer fighting continues, the higher the number of prisoners will become.
Updated
Watch footage from earlier today of a bulldozer taking off a portion of the fence at the Israel-Gaza border.
At least 100 dead in Israel: report
Israel’s Channel 12 reports that at least 100 Israelis have been killed.
This is up from the earlier figure of around 40.
Updated
Hamas deputy chief Saleh al-Arouri told Al Jazeera that the group has launched an “all-out battle”.
“We expect fighting to continue and the fighting front to expand. We have one prime target: our freedom and the freedom of our holy sites,” he said.
Updated
There are over 800 injured in Israel, Channel 12 reports.
198 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes, say officials in Gaza
198 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli air strikes, Gaza health officials said, Reuters reported.
Updated
Fighting is ongoing in several communities inside Israel.
Hostages are being held in Be’eri and Ofakim, and there are efforts under way to release them, Haaretz reports.
Updated
‘We have a big number of Israeli captives', Hamas claims
Hamas’s deputy chief Saleh al-Arouri has told Al Jazeera that “we have a big number of Israeli captives, among them senior officers”.
The Israeli authorities have yet to comment on reports that missing Israelis are being held hostage in Gaza.
Updated
There are Israelis being held hostage in at least three communities inside Israel, according to public radio.
There are also growing concerns that some Israelis, who are now missing, have been taken to the Gaza Strip.
More footage from the Israeli defense forces of its airstrikes today.
A short while ago, an IDF aircraft targeted an additional terrorist cell adjacent to the Erez Crossing. pic.twitter.com/Tq2596MnYB
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) October 7, 2023
Updated
At least 160 Palestinians have been killed, medical sources in Gaza told Al Jazeera.
There are more than 1,000 people wounded, Al Jazeera reported.
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“Hamas are terrorists,” the British foreign secretary, James Cleverly, wrote on social media.
Hamas’s political wing is not a designated terrorist organisation in the UK, while its military wing is designated as a terror group.
Hamas are not “fighters”.
— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) October 7, 2023
Hamas are not “militants”.
Hamas are terrorists.
There is no other word to describe the brutality of firing rockets or terrorist attacks targeting civilians.
Updated
An Israeli man has told Israeli public radio that his family is missing and his wife’s phone is geolocated in Khan Yunis, a city in the Gaza Strip.
The report comes amid claims by Hamas that it is holding hostage a number of Israelis.
While the Israeli authorities have not formally confirmed that there are hostages held in Gaza, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, has said on social media that he has spoken with foreign ministers from the region and there is a need for “liberation of hostages and negotiations”.
Updated
Israel’s emergency services have confirmed that approximately 40 people have been killed since early this morning.
Magen David Adom Press Release (15:30)
— Magen David Adom (@Mdais) October 7, 2023
40 victims confirmed killed in combined terror and rocket attacks since this morning. #OperationIronSwords pic.twitter.com/v2B0ZQuAmR
Tens of Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, local health officials said, Reuters reported.
Updated
US will ensure Israel has what it needs, US defence secretary says
US defence secretary, Lloyd Austin, said in a statement that Washington would make sure Israel had what it needed to defend itself.
I am closely monitoring developments in Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself remains unwavering, and I extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this abhorrent attack on civilians. Over the coming days the Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism.
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Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, has called on the international community to condemn “Hamas, its allies and its backers in Iran”.
Today we saw the true face of Hamas. A terrorist army whose only goal is the cold-blooded murder of innocent men, women and children. Supported and directed by their proxy commanders in Iran, they carried out an unprovoked, heinous attack against the Jewish state on a Jewish holy day. Innocent civilians were massacred and wounded, and many are still under attack. The state of Israel will take all measures necessary to eliminate this clear and immediate danger to our citizens. Israel will overcome in the face of all challenges. I call upon the family of nations – this war waged against us marks a line in the sand. Now is the time to hear clear, unequivocal condemnation of Hamas, its allies and its backers in Iran. Now is the time to stand firm with Israel in support of its just and moral battle in the face of an abhorrent enemy.
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EU talks with Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia
The EU’s foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, had calls with ministers from Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
Calls with @MfaEgypt @AymanHSafadi @FaisalbinFarhan @arableague_gs on ongoing attacks by Hamas against Israel.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) October 7, 2023
Urgent need for cessation of hostilities, deescalation, full respect for IHL, liberation of hostages & negotiations. The EU firmly condemns all forms of terrorism.
Updated
While the Israeli authorities have yet to confirm reports that Israeli citizens are being held in Gaza, local media is already discussing fears that the country is facing a long hostage crisis.
At least 40 dead, 740 injured in Israel: report
Israel’s Channel 12 reports that the death toll has risen to at least 40 and that 74o people are injured.
Updated
Shehab news agency, which is affiliated with Hamas, says that a five-storey building has been destroyed after an Israeli strike.
مراسل شهاب: طائرات الاحتلال الحربية تدمر منزل عائلة البطنيجي والبدرساوي المكون من 5 طوابق قرب جامعة القدس المفتوحة بحي النصر غرب مدينة غزة. pic.twitter.com/OSysBoyVzR
— وكالة شهاب للأنباء (@ShehabAgency) October 7, 2023
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Al Jazeera reports there are “intense and ongoing” Israeli drone and artillery attacks in Gaza’s eastern areas.
There are also strikes in Jabalia, Beit Lahia, Bureij, Khan Younis and Rafah, according to the report.
Updated
Netanyahu calls on Israel to unite
Speaking at the beginning of a cabinet meeting, the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said the country would now focus on three goals:
To clear the impacted areas from militants and restore security
To impose a vast cost on Israel’s enemy
To shore up other areas so that no one would make the mistake of joining the war
“I call on all of Israel’s citizens to unite,” he said, so that the country would reach its aim of winning the war.
Updated
Hamas and Islamic Jihad have both claimed to be holding Israeli soldiers hostage.
There are images of an alleged Israeli soldier being held hostage circulating on social media, but these images are not verified and Israeli authorities have not confirmed that military personnel have been seized by militant groups.
Updated
Al Jazeera reports that “dozens of casualties” have been brought to Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza and that “a large number of grieving families rushed to the hospital after receiving the news”.
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US condemns Hamas attack
US White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said that Washington condemns the attack and extends condolences.
The US unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians. There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand firmly with the government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks.
The national security adviser ,Jake Sullivan, has spoken to Israel’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, the spokesperson said.
Updated
Egypt 'making intensive contacts' to contain crisis
Egypt’s foreign ministry said their officials “are making intensive contacts at all levels to contain the current crisis,” in order to “spare the region from further tension and instability and prevent the situation from spiralling out of control.”
Foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid said that Egypt’s top diplomat, the foreign minister, Sameh Shoukry, began consulting with the Jordanian foreign minister Ayman al-Safadi, “to consult...regarding efforts to stop the escalation between the Palestinian and Israeli sides.”
“The two ministers agreed to continue consultation and close coordination during the coming hours,” he added.
Shoukry also spoke with the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates, which signed an agreement to recognise and establish formal relations with Israel in 2020.
According to a statement from the Egyptian side, Shoukry “was keen to inform his Emirati counterpart of the communications that Egypt is conducting to stop the escalation and try to contain the crisis. The two sides agreed on the seriousness of the current situation and the necessity of making every effort to prevent the security situation from getting out of control and exposing the lives of civilians to further risks and threats.”
The Egyptian foreign ministry also hinted at possible further contact between Egyptian officials and other actors involved, a nod towards the frequent contact between Egyptian intelligence officials and Hamas as well as the Islamic Jihad, a line of negotiations that has often proved more effective in scaling back action from Palestinian militants than talks between diplomats.
Egypt brokered a ceasefire that ended three days of fighting between Israel and the Islamic Jihad militant faction in Gaza last August, including Israeli airstrikes on Gaza which killed at least 49 people.
Top Egyptian intelligence official Abbas Kamel has long remained the face of Egyptian consultations with militant factions in Gaza, despite rarely if ever discussing these negotiations publicly. Kamel, currently the head of Egypt’s general intelligence service, visited the besieged coastal enclave of Gaza two years ago to bolster the terms of a ceasefire to a previous round of fighting between militants and Israeli forces.
Delegations from both Hamas and the Islamic Jihad also held talks in Egypt last June chaired by Hamas’s senior political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Ziad al-Nakhala, leader of the Islamic Jihad, where they discussed Israeli control of Jerusalem including the incursions by settlers into al-Aqsa Mosque compound, one of Islam’s holiest sites.
The talks followed a visit by the Palestinian prime minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, to Egypt to discuss the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
Updated
Israeli media are continuing to broadcast interviews with relatives of Israelis who appear to be missing.
In the meantime, the Israeli authorities are still not fully in control of multiple communities, with reports that some civilians are being held hostage by Hamas militants.
Updated
A ground infiltration by Hamas gunmen into Israeli towns and villages on the periphery – an unprecedented development in the 16 years since the Islamists took over the strip – is ongoing, with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) saying seven villages and towns are under Hamas control. The Israeli army also put the number of projectiles at around 2,000.
Unconfirmed initial reports and graphic pictures and video appeared to show that gunmen had opened fire in the border town of Sderot, killing several Israeli civilians and soldiers. One elderly woman was confirmed dead in a rocket attack, and another four people in Bedouin villages in Israel’s south killed by rocket fire.
Twenty-two Israelis have been confirmed dead so far and 545 injured, with the death toll likely to rise.
At least one person has been killed in Gaza in retaliatory Israeli airstrikes, and five Hamas militants killed inside Israel.
Read the full story here.
Hostage fears
There are unconfirmed reports that 57 Israelis, dead and alive, have been taken into Gaza.
Grim videos are circulating. It is notable that it was abduction of just three Israelis that sparked 2014 war. This is also first time Palestinian forces have managed to seize territory inside Green Line since 1948.
Updated
Watch footage from earlier today as fighting continues.
Palestinian media are reporting flames and smoke seen in various locations in the Gaza Strip. There are multiple injuries, some in serious condition, following an Israeli airstrike, the Wafa news agency said.
Updated
Saudi Arabia calls for halt to escalation
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry said in a statement that it was closely following developments and called for an immediate halt to the escalation.
The Saudi ministry underscored repeated warnings about the occupation and reiterated a call for a credible peace process.
Updated
Israel continues strikes in Gaza
Israel’s defense forces say fighter jets have hit 17 military compounds and four operational command centres belonging to Hamas.
In the last few hours, dozens of IDF fighter jets struck 17 military compounds and 4 operational command centers belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip. pic.twitter.com/Hr7t9A2ajq
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) October 7, 2023
Updated
Unrest in Jerusalem
Unrest and violence is also being reported in Jerusalem, the eastern half of which is considered occupied Palestinian territory, as well as the West Bank.
Majd al-Abassi, a resident of Silwan, a restive neighbourhood in East Jerusalem, said:
“There are young men marching with green flags, the flag of Hamas, after they heard the news this morning. The Israeli soldiers started firing teargas everywhere and one house was burned.”
There have also been reports of a Palestinian attempting to stab a security guard in the settlement of Beit Aryeh in the West Bank. The guard was unharmed, and the condition of the assailant was not immediately known.
Two nights ago, a 19-year-old Palestinian was killed after Israeli settlers mobbed the Palestinian town of Huwara, a well known flashpoint for violence.
Updated
Israel and Hamas are at war once again after the Palestinian militant group launched a massive aerial and ground operation from the blockaded Gaza Strip, its biggest attack in years.
Read the full story.
Updated
The Palestinian health minister, May Alkaila, declared a state of emergency in all hospitals, the Wafa news agency reported.
“Several Palestinians have been killed and many more wounded today,” Wafa wrote.
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An intelligence failure for the ages
Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel, on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur war, will be remembered as an intelligence failure for the ages.
In the space of several hours, dozens of Gaza militants broke through the border fence into southern Israel, surprising local military positions.
Gunmen kidnapped and murdered Israelis in the southern border communities, filming their assault as they advanced in numerous locations. In one instance, a Gaza television journalist delivered a stand-up report about one attack from inside Israel, an almost unthinkable moment.
While the images of several thousand rockets sectoring the sky has become familiar over the years during the periodic upticks in fighting around Gaza, the footage of Hamas assault teams moving through the streets in communities such as Sderot, blowing the gates of a kibbutz and firing on passing cars and pedestrians, showed scenes not witnessed by most Israelis for whom short-lived attacks in cities have become a fact of life.
If it is surprising it is because Israel’s surveillance of Palestinian society is both highly sophisticated and highly invasive, with monitoring of Hamas’s activity in particular one of the most important tasks for the security establishment.
Updated
Hezbollah congratulates Hamas but takes careful stance
The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah congratulated Hamas militants on the incursion into Israeli territory from Gaza, but issued a carefully-worded statement which suggests they are currently backing away from any further involvement, tamping down on concerns they could fire weaponry into Israel via its northern border.
In a statement issued via the Hezbollah-linked news outlet Al Manar, the group said they are “closely keeping pace with the important developments on the Palestinian scene and following conditions in the field with great interest,” adding that they remain “in direct contact,” with the leadership of Palestinian armed groups in order to assess ongoing events.
The statement also described the incursion as a message against normalisation to the international community, particularly those seeking diplomatic relations with Israel.
This is likely an oblique reference to countries in the Gulf, particularly Saudi Arabia which has been in the early stages of talks with the United States to discuss a potential peace deal with Israel.
US embassy condemns Hamas attack
The American chargé d’Affaires in Israel, Stephanie Hallett, wrote on social media that she is “sickened by the images coming out of southern Israel of dead and wounded civilians at the hands of terrorists from Gaza”.
“The United States stands with Israel,” she said.
Updated
What we know so far
Hamas militants entered Israeli territory in the early hours of this morning, appearing to take control of multiple communities in southern Israel. Fighting is still ongoing in areas of southern Israel.
Hamas fired over 2,000 rockets toward Israel, according to the Israeli authorities.
The death toll is Israel is at least 22, according to Israeli emergency services. Israel’s health ministry said at least 545 wounded have arrived in hospitals. Palestinian media is reporting the death toll in Gaza is four.
Israel launched strikes in Gaza.
There are reports of Israeli hostages now in Gaza.
“We are at war and we will win it,” the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said in a video address to the country.
Updated
'Difficult hours ahead of us', Israeli military says
Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israeli defense forces, acknowledged that it was possible Israeli forces had yet to reach every area where Hamas attacked.
Speaking on Israel’s Channel 12, the spokesperson said there were “difficult hours ahead of us,” he said, adding that the IDF was upping its strikes in Gaza.
Updated
545 people have arrived in Israeli hospitals, according to the country’s health ministry.
A senior official from Israel’s emergency services has hinted in an interview on Israeli public radio that the death toll is now higher than the official number of 22.
There are efforts ongoing to reach injured people.
Concerns about the north
An unnamed Israeli minister has told Ynet that there is a risk the Hamas attacks could be designed to distract ahead of an attack from the north.
In the meantime, Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said that it is “in direct contact with the leadership of the Palestinian Resistance and is conducting a continuous assessment of events and the progress of operations with it”.
Updated
Israel’s death toll now stands at 22.
Israelis are calling into local news shows with concerns that relatives have been taken hostage. Hours after Hamas began its attack today, there is still sense of confusion among Israelis about what is happening in a number of communities in the south and about the whereabouts of a number of civilians who appear to be missing.
The Israeli defense forces (IDF) has published footage of some of its strikes earlier today on Hamas targets.
עשרות מטוסי קרב של חיל האוויר תקפו לפני זמן קצר במספר מוקדים מטרות של ארגון הטרור חמאס ברצועת עזה.
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) October 7, 2023
דובר צה"ל שב ומבקש מהציבור להישמע להנחיות פיקוד העורף, המצילות חיים.
תיעוד מהתקיפות מוקדם יותר: pic.twitter.com/pnxdRyv4Un
Sunak 'shocked' by attacks on Israeli citizens
The British prime minister, Rishi Sunak, says he is “shocked by this morning’s attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens.”
“Israel has an absolute right to defend itself,” he says.
I am shocked by this morning's attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 7, 2023
Israel has an absolute right to defend itself.
We're in contact with Israeli authorities, and British nationals in Israel should follow travel advice.
Updated
Several videos are surfacing that appear to show an elderly Israeli woman inside Gaza. Israeli media reporting dozens of Israelis hostage.
Several videos surfacing that appear to show an elderly Israeli woman inside Gaza. Israeli media reporting dozens of Israelis hostage. Woman filming says "welcome sister"; woman on golf cart seems in shock/does not appear to understand what is happening pic.twitter.com/Whz4qdAck9
— Bethan McKernan (@mck_beth) October 7, 2023
The Israeli defense forces’ operation in Gaza now has a name: Swords of Iron.
⚔️Swords of Iron⚔️
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 7, 2023
The IDF is initiating a large-scale operation to defend Israeli civilians against the combined attack launched against Israel by Hamas this morning. pic.twitter.com/O2fuWjFvNb
European leaders condemn attack against Israel
A host of European leaders have formally condemned Hamas’ attack against Israel.
Erschreckende Nachrichten erreichen uns heute aus #Israel. Der Raketenbeschuss aus Gaza und die eskalierende Gewalt erschüttern uns zutiefst. Deutschland verurteilt diese Angriffe der Hamas und steht an Israels Seite.
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) October 7, 2023
Horrified at the unfolding attacks on #Israel. We condemn the terror and violence waged against innocent people.
— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) October 7, 2023
My thoughts are with all those under fire, all the first responders and those defending against these brutal attacks.
Terror will never prevail. 🇪🇺 🇮🇱
Just spoke with Prime Minister @netanyahu about the unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel. I told him that the Netherlands unequivocally condemns this terrorist violence and fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself.
— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) October 7, 2023
Strongly condemn the indiscriminate attacks launched against #Israel and its people this morning inflicting terror and violence against innocent citizens.
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) October 7, 2023
My thoughts are with all the victims.
EU stands in solidarity with Israeli people in this horrific moment.
Updated
Egypt calls for restraint
The Egyptian authorities have called for “exercising the utmost restraint and avoiding exposing civilians to further risks”, in a statement.
Egypt’s ministry of foreign affairs cautioned against “the dire dangers of the ongoing escalation between the Palestinian and Israeli sides,” and warned that escalating violence “would negatively affect the future of truce efforts”.
Egyptian security officials have long played a mediation role during escalations between Israel and Gazan militants in order to cool tensions in the Gaza strip, which shares a border with the Sinai Peninsula.
Egypt’s foreign ministry called on other international actors with a stake in the peace process between the Israeli and Palestinian sides to intervene immediately in an effort to halt any further violence.
“The Arab Republic of Egypt called on international actors involved in supporting efforts to resume the peace process to intervene immediately to stop the ongoing escalation, and urged Israel to stop attacks and provocative actions against the Palestinian people, and to adhere to the rules of international humanitarian law with regard to the responsibilities of the occupying state.”
Updated
A spokesperson for Israel’s defense forces says that from 6:30 this morning, Hamas has fired over 2,000 rockets toward Israel.
“Terrorists entered the territory of the state of Israel and are still inside the territory of the state of Israel.”
Fighting is ongoing, and militants are present in multiple locations, the spokesperson said.
Israel’s defence forces are focused on the fighting in communities around the Gaza envelop. In parallel, there is a wide-ranging call-up of reserve forces.
The Israeli air force and other forces have opened a wide-ranging attack on Gaza, the spokesperson added.
Updated
280 injured in Israel, 30 seriously: report
Israel’s channel 12 is reporting that 280 people are injured in Israel, 30 of them seriously.
Palestinian bulldozers are demolishing the smart-technology barrier at the Gaza border. pic.twitter.com/nQABRbBKfQ
— Younis Tirawi | يونس (@ytirawi) October 7, 2023
A crying woman is now speaking on Israel’s Channel 12 from a shelter in southern Israel.
“No one is doing anything,” she says.
Updated
UK condemns Hamas attacks
UK foreign secretary, James Cleverly, has condemned the “horrific attacks” by Hamas.
The UK unequivocally condemns the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians.
— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) October 7, 2023
The UK will always support Israel’s right to defend itself.
Updated
Seven communities under Hamas control: report
Israels’s channel 13 is reporting that 7 communities are under Hamas control.
These include Sderot, Nahal Oz, Kfar Aza, Magen, Sufa Beheri and general command of Gaza.
Updated
'We are at war', Netanyahu says
“We are at war, and we will win,” the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says in a message to Israelis.
“The enemy will pay a price it has never known,” he said, noting that he has decided on a large call-up of reserves. The Israeli leader also asked citizens to follow safety instructions.
Updated
Hamas’ health ministry says there is one dead in Israeli strikes thus far.
Israel’s police estimate that there are 60 militants inside the country at the moment, Haaretz reports. Fighting is ongoing.
Updated
On Israel’s public radio, reporters and guests are expressing a sense of shock at the events of the past hours. There are already questions raised: How could this happen? How could Israel’s security establishment fail to see the attack coming?
The radio is broadcasting interviews with relatives of young Israelis who appear to be trapped in areas under Hamas control at the moment.
Israel launches emergency blood drive as number of wounded rises
Magen David Adom is calling for urgent blood donations at the following locations:
— Magen David Adom (@Mdais) October 7, 2023
Tel Aviv - Ichilov Hospital
Jerusalem - MDA Station (7 Hamem Gimel St.)
Haifa - 10 Yitzhak Sadeh St. pic.twitter.com/NkpZ5aFNaE
EU condemns Hamas attack on Israel
The European Union’s foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, has expressed solidarity with Israel.
We follow with anguish the news coming from #Israel. We unequivocally condemn the attacks by Hamas.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) October 7, 2023
This horrific violence must stop immediately. Terrorism and violence solve nothing.
The EU expresses its solidarity with Israel in these difficult moments.
Saturday’s dramatic developments are the most serious flare-up in the volatile region since Israel and Hamas fought a bloody 10-day battle in 2021.
Shaike Shaked, 70, from Netiv Hahasara, said: “We are locked in the security room and don’t know what is happening outside. We can hear explosions … We are nervous and alert. It is clear that this will ead to a war in Gaza.”
Since the Islamist group seized control of the 42-sq km (16-sq mile) strip in 2007, there have been four wars and several smaller conflagrations against the area’s rulers and its other active factions that have exacted a devastating toll on Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
People in Gaza also have next to no freedom of movement, and healthcare, electricity, sanitation and other crucial infrastructure have all but collapsed since Israel imposed the blockade.
Inside Gaza on Saturday morning, civilians reported significant movement of armed factions, as people braced for what is likely to be a major new escalation.
Mona Awda, a 31-year-old from Gaza City, said: “I was helping my children to go to school, all of a sudden explosions happened. My children were freaked out. I told them to stay at home and not go to school … We are surprised and worried about what’s next, wondering when and how long this will last.”
IDF fighter jets striking Hamas targets in Gaza
Dozens of IDF fighter jets are currently striking a number of targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip, the IDF said.
More details to follow.
Updated
Yoav Gallant, Israel’s defence minister, has announced that the Hamas militant group has started a war against Israel and pledged that “Israel will win”, the Associated Press is reporting.
Following a security cabinet meeting at the Israeli military headquarters in Tel Aviv, Gallant warned that Hamas “made a grave mistake” in launching rockets into southern and central Israel.
Hamas gunmen have crossed the border fence at several places and infiltrated Israeli communities in one of the most serious escalations in years between Israel and the militant group that rules Gaza.
“The state of Israel will win this war,” Gallant said.
Yoav Gallant, Israel’s defence minister: “Hamas has made a big mistake this morning,” Reuters is reporting.
💥Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has declared a state of emergency in a radius of 80 kilometers from the Gaza border. pic.twitter.com/WA9UYb0BCY
— Noga Tarnopolsky נגה טרנופולסקי نوغا ترنوبولسكي💙 (@NTarnopolsky) October 7, 2023
Rocket fire continues to strike Israel from Gaza.
Apocalyptic scenes right now in southern Israel. pic.twitter.com/uuseUdcytV
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) October 7, 2023
Multiple impacts in southern Israel. pic.twitter.com/PC5z5y5WZi
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) October 7, 2023
A rocket fired from Gaza has struck a residential area in Israel. pic.twitter.com/mHODxDVCHu
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) October 7, 2023
Updated
Netanyahu to meet top security officials
Israeli media have reported that gunmen opened fire on passers-by in the town of Sderot, in southern Israel, and footage circulating on social media appeared to show clashes in city streets as well as gunmen in jeeps roaming the countryside.
Palestinian media reported that a number of Israelis had been taken captive by fighters and Hamas media circulated video footage apparently showing a destroyed Israeli tank, Reuters also reported.
In addition to Benjamin Netanyahu’s office saying the prime minister would meet top security officials in the coming hours, the defence minister, Yoav Gallant, authorised the call-up of reservists.
Updated
Today is the last day of the Jewish high holidays, but Israelis all over the south of the country and as far north as the contested city of Jerusalem were woken early this morning by air raid sirens and the thud of missiles.
Hamas officials always say that they will respond to Israel “at a time and place of our choosing”. But the timing of this unprecedented aerial and ground attack has caught both Israelis and Palestinians completely by surprise. The two sides had just negotiated a truce, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the UN, after three weeks of violence and unrest at the separation fence.
Israeli media is reporting that Hamas operatives have seized control of a police station in the border town of Sderot, and is holding several people hostage. Initial reports suggest that the Israeli police and army were slow to respond to the attack, and gunfights are ongoing in several places. Major roads across the south are closed, and checkpoints in and out of the occupied West Bank shut.
In the tiny Gaza Strip, a population already battered by four wars in the last 16 years is bracing for further escalation.
Updated
Israel’s military has declared it will defend the country.
The Israeli Defence Forces said in a post on X, formerly Twitter:
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.
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.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 7, 2023
We will defend ourselves. pic.twitter.com/S9GN8fld4Y
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Israel declares state of war
In response to the attacks, which appear to have caught the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) by surprise, Israel has declared a state of war.
“A number of terrorists have infiltrated into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip,” the military said in a statement, adding that residents in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip had been told to stay in their homes.
“The Israel Defence Forces will defend Israeli civilians and the Hamas terrorist organisation will pay heavy price for its actions,” it said.
Here are images from Israel and Gaza this morning showing rockets being fired from Gaza and the resulting damage:
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Israel on war footing, says military
Israel’s military said it was on a war footing as the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, called an emergency meeting of security officials, Reuters reports.
Israeli media was reporting gun battles between bands of Palestinian fighters and security forces in towns in southern Israel.
Hamas launched the surprise assault with a combination of gunmen crossing the border and a heavy barrage of rockets from the Gaza Strip.
It is the most serious incident since Israel and Hamas fought a 10-day war in 2021.
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The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group says its fighters have joined Hamas in the attack on Israel, Reuters is reporting.
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Opening
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Palestinian group Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel on Saturday.
Senior Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif said 5,000 rockets had been launched and he called on Palestinians everywhere to fight.
“This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on Earth,” he said.
What’s known so far is that Palestinian gunmen infiltrated areas of southern Israel and rocket barrages were launched from the Gaza Strip in the attack.
Sirens sounded across Israel, including in Jerusalem.
One Israeli woman was reported killed and ambulance crews were deployed in areas around the Gaza Strip.
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