On the third day of the Gaza war and with tensions remaining high along the northern border with Lebanon, the IDF continues its airstrikes in Gaza. Meanwhile, special forces and infantry units are engaged in combat with Hamas terrorists in six locations within Israel.
Hamas initiated a surprise conflict with Israel on Saturday morning, causing significant security concerns, particularly among neighboring Arab countries. In the midst of these heightened tensions resulting from Hamas's extensive attacks within Israeli territories, including infiltrations from the Gaza Strip, injuries to Israeli civilians, and rocket strikes on Gaza's surrounding villages, both Egypt and Turkey conveyed a message of concern regarding the security escalation. However, they stopped short of outright condemning Hamas's actions against Israeli citizens.
On the opening day of the war, which began with an unprecedented Hamas attack and infiltration into Israel near the Gaza Strip, more than 300 Israelis lost their lives, and over 1,800 were wounded. Additionally, it is estimated that around 100 Israeli children, women, men, and soldiers were abducted into Gaza by Hamas, some of them deceased and others alive.
As the fog of war persists in Israel, Israeli security forces are diligently working to neutralize Hamas and Jihad terrorists on the outskirts of the Gaza Strip. Initial reports are emerging from citizens who have been miraculously spared from the horrendous violence, attributing their survival to divine intervention.
In the midst of the ongoing clashes between Israeli security forces and terrorists in the communities surrounding Gaza, Hamas claimed this Saturday morning that 35 Israelis, including IDF soldiers, have been kidnapped by its terrorist squads and taken to the Gaza Strip. Mohammed Deif, the commander of Hamas’s military branch, asserted, "We had previously warned Israel." He further emphasized, "We initiated the 'Tofan al-Aqsa' (Storm of Al-Aqsa) operation, launching over 5,000 rockets. Al-Aqsa's fury has erupted today, and our military operatives will demonstrate to the enemy that their time has passed. Starting today, security coordination will come to an end."
In response, the IDF issued an extraordinary alert of a state of war. "Within the last hour, there has been a significant barrage of rockets fired into Israeli territory from Gaza, with terrorists infiltrating Israeli territory at various locations. Residents of the southern and central regions are urged to seek shelter in protected areas, and those in the Gaza Strip to remain within protected zones.
A mother on N12 television LIVE whispering that Hamas terrorists have infiltrated her house and she is locked with her family in their safe room. She is calling for the IDF to come and save them. Just unbelievable.
The statement went on to say, "At this moment, the Chief of Staff is conducting a comprehensive situation assessment and approving plans for the continuation of IDF operations. Hamas, as the de facto authority in the Gaza Strip responsible for this attack, will bear the consequences and responsibility for these events." This situation remains fluid and ongoing.