Eko Hot Blog reports that at least 22 people have been killed in Israel in the surprise attack launched by militant group Hamas on Saturday morning.
Israel’s Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue service made the disclosure in a statement.
MDA said more than 250 casualties have been reported, including the 22 people who died.
MDA did not say how many of those killed or wounded were civilians.
Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consequently declared that his country is “at war”, after Hamas fired thousands of rockets and gunmen stormed the border, in the largest escalation in years.
“Citizens of Israel, We are at war, not in an operation or in rounds, but at war. This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early morning hours,” he said.
“I convened the heads of the security establishment and ordered – first of all – to clear out the communities that have been infiltrated by terrorists. This currently is being carried out.
“At the same time, I have ordered an extensive mobilization of reserves and that we return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price.
“In the meantime, I call on the citizens of Israel to strictly adhere to the directives of the IDF and Home Front Command. We are at war and we will win it.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
"Citizens of Israel,
We are at war, not in an operation or in rounds, but at war. This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early morning hours. pic.twitter.com/C7YQUviItR— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 7, 2023
Israel said its forces were operating inside Gaza and striking targets there, and called up its military reservists, as warning sirens sounded across southern and central parts of the country, with Netanyahu calling an emergency meeting.
The Israeli Defence Forces said more than 2,200 rockets had been fired into Israel since 6:30am, with fighting between Hamas and Israeli troops ongoing at seven sites.
The unprecedented attack marks the biggest military challenge to Israel since the 1973 war – which began 50 years ago on Friday with a surprise attack by Egypt and Syria.
Hamas political chief reportedly declared the attacks as “waging a battle of honour, resistance and dignity”.
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