Benzinga - by Bibhu Pattnaik, Benzinga Staff Writer.
In a sudden and unexpected turn of events, Hamas, the leading militant group from Gaza, has launched a deadly assault on Israel.
What Happened: The multi-pronged attack, which occurred early Saturday, involved a massive rocket barrage and a series of infiltrations.
Israel was under siege as Hamas militants penetrated its fortified borders from various directions, including by air and sea. The intensity of the attack and the ensuing clashes in several Israeli areas have underscored Hamas' capabilities, while catching Israel off guard during a significant holiday, the Associated Press reported.
"We are at war," proclaimed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the severity of the situation and promising a strong retaliation.The assault, which occurred on Simchat Torah, a major Jewish festival, evoked memories of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The unexpected offensive led to criticism of Netanyahu and his allies, who had previously pledged a more assertive stance against threats from Gaza.
In response, the Israeli military has targeted various sites in Gaza. It reported confrontations with Hamas militants at several entry points, detailing their use of innovative infiltration methods.
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The motivations behind Hamas' sudden and meticulously coordinated attack remain ambiguous. However, recent tensions surrounding settlement expansions in the West Bank and disputes over Jerusalem's sacred sites may have been contributing factors. Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas' military division, dubbed the assault "Operation Al-Aqsa Storm," referencing the revered Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.
Western nations condemned Hamas' attack and extended their support to Israel. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, which is currently discussing with the U.S. about fostering ties with Israel, called for restraint from both parties.
The infiltration has led to heightened security measures, with many Israelis seeking shelter and roads near Gaza being shut down.
Israel and Hamas share a tumultuous history, with the blockade on Gaza being a central point of contention. This blockade has severely impacted Gaza's economy, with Israel justifying it to prevent militant armament.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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