Explained: Hamas' Biggest Attack On Israel As It Unfolds

Palestinian terrorist organization, Hamas, launched a surprise attack on Israel early Saturday morning (October 7), reportedly firing more than 5,000 rockets into Israeli territory.

Hamas terrorists also infiltrated the southern part of Israel, capturing soldiers and civilians and killing more than 22 people. This marks Hamas's most sustained and significant attack on Israel to date.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Israeli citizens, stating, "Citizens of Israel, we are at war. This is not an operation, not an escalation - this is war. And we will win. Hamas will pay an unprecedented price."

Following this statement, he declared a mass army mobilization.

In response, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launched multiple attacks on terrorists' hideouts in the Gaza Strip.

Reports indicate that Hamas began firing thousands of rockets into Israeli territory at 6:30 am, killing dozens of Israeli citizens and wounding hundreds. Simultaneously, Hamas terrorists were observed moving in and out of the Israeli-Gaza border fence through several breach points.

Following the rocket attacks, terrorists infiltrated the southern Israeli city of Sderot, where dozens of terrorists engaged with Israeli security forces.

A convoy of seven to eight white pickup trucks, carrying four to five terrorists, was reported in the city as Hamas rockets fell into multiple Israeli cities, including some as far as Jerusalem.

In addition to land routes, infiltrations also occurred from the air and sea. Multiple sources indicate that Hamas terrorists infiltrated using hang-gliders and some even by sea.

All this unfolded amid continous rocket, small arms, and mortar fire, with ongoing clashes in several residential areas in the south, where Israeli special forces engaged with dozens of terrorists.

The attack, dubbed "Operation Al-Aqsa Storm" by Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas's military wing, al-Qassam Brigade, stated that this marks the beginning of the operation. In a recorded message, he declared, "Enough is enough," and called on Palestinians to join the fight against Israel.

Hamas has reportedly captured and taken multiple Israeli soldiers and civilians hostage.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep shock and solidarity with Israel in a post on the social media platform X.

The attack has garnered condemnation from various quarters, with the US denouncing the terrorist attack.

The White House issued a statement, saying, "The United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians."

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also condemned the taking of civilian hostages as a violation of international law, stating, "News of civilians taken as hostages in their homes or to Gaza are appalling. This is against international law. Hostages must be released immediately."