byiShook Opinion
Oct 7, 2023 - 13:54
Live Updates: Hamas launches surprise attack, Israel declares war. Follow iShook Daily for real-time coverage of escalating tensions in the Israel-Palestine crisis.
This live blog has ended and, We're now covering the situation in Israel and Gaza live coverage here.
In a surprise attack early on Saturday, Hamas militants from Gaza launched a deadly assault, resulting in the tragic loss of over 100 lives in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of 'war,' vowing to exact an unprecedented cost from the aggressors. He emphasized that this was not just an operation, but a full-scale war. Hamas claims this action is in response to perceived aggression against the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Meanwhile, Hamas leaders assert they've launched thousands of rockets into Israel, numbering around 5,000 in what they've dubbed 'Operation al-Aqsa Flood.' Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas convened an urgent meeting, asserting the right of Palestinians to defend against what he referred to as the 'terror of settlers and occupation troops.' He directed officials to prioritize the protection and resilience of the Palestinian people in the face of these challenges.
Stay tuned to iShook Daily for the latest updates...
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's declaration of Israel being "at war" marks a significant shift after Gaza militants launched a surprise attack involving thousands of rockets and unconventional entry methods.
The impact of this assault is deeply felt, with dozens of casualties and nearly 800 wounded reported in Israel. Meanwhile, in Gaza, the Palestinian health ministry confirms at least 198 deaths and 1,610 injuries.
Responding to the attack, Israel initiated a series of airstrikes. Netanyahu pledges to exact a substantial price from the assailants, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Read More
The Israel Defense Forces find themselves fighting in numerous locations. Some Israeli residents report tense encounters as militants attempt to breach their homes, intensifying the conflict.
This dramatic escalation coincides with the 50th anniversary of the 1973 War. During this historical event, Arab states initiated a surprise offensive against Israel on Yom Kippur, the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar. The parallels add an eerie dimension to the unfolding crisis.
Former Israeli military spokesperson, Jonathan Conricus, likened the surprise Hamas assault on Israel to a "Pearl Harbor type of moment." He emphasized that the entire defense system, not just a single component, faltered in providing the necessary protection for Israeli civilians during the early morning attack.
Conricus remarked, "This is a Pearl Harbor type of moment for Israel, where there was reality up until today, and then there will be reality after today." This unprecedented attack involved Hamas militants infiltrating military bases, towns, and farms while taking hostages. This event marks a historic moment in Israeli history, comparable to the town-by-town fighting during the 1948 war of independence.