BREAKING: Israel Is At War
Israel is under attack as the country faces one of the worst terrorist attacks in decades
The world woke up to devastating images this morning as Israel faced one of the worst terrorist attacks in recent memory. Overnight, sirens began blaring as militants in Gaza launched a rocket attack targeting several Israeli cities. Hundreds of rockets were launched within hours in what was one of the largest missile attacks in years. Within minutes of these launches, militants several groups in Gaza, including Hamas and Palestinian Jihad, rushed several border checkpoints in Southern Israel, overcoming border patrol and making incursions into several Israeli cities. Hours later, dozens of Israeli civilians have been murdered, thousands injured, and several captured and taken hostage. The news is moving quickly, but here is everything we know right now.
1) Israel Declares War
Early this morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared war against militants in Gaza. Israeli ground operations have begun in the region, with Israeli citizens stepping foot in Gaza for the first time in over a decade. At least 31 IDF battalions are currently engaged in heavy fighting around the Gaza Strip and Southern Israel. Meanwhile, Hamas fighters currently remain in Israel, with citizens being asked to shelter in place and hide from those seeking to capture and kill them. The Israeli National Security Council has approved ground operations in Gaza, and airstrikes in the region have begun as well. Expect a lengthy, protracted war.
2) Most of the International Community Rallies Behind Israel
Meanwhile, the international community, lead by the United States of America, has rallied behind Israel offering its support. President Biden has released a statement the following statement this morning:
"This morning, I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu about the horrific and ongoing attacks in Israel. The United States unequivocally condemns this appalling assault against Israel by Hamas terrorists from Gaza, and I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the Government and people of Israel. Terrorism is never justified. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people. The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation. My Administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering. Jill and I are keeping in our prayers all of the families who have been hurt by this violence. We are heartbroken by the lives that have been tragically cut short and hope for a swift recovery for all those who have been wounded. My team and I are tracking this situation closely, and I will remain in close touch with Prime Minister Netanyahu."
The President, along with other world leaders, have remained in constant contact with Israel's Prime Minister, offering to help however they can. President Zelensky, who is also currently leading a nation at war issued the following statement in support:
3) Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran
Meanwhile, the current attack is being publicly backed by several militant groups in the region including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Jihad. Many have speculated that Iran has helped plan and fund this attack, and while that remains an open question, Iran has publicly supported the terrorist attacks this morning. A senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader congratulated Hamas fighters stating: "We congratulate the Palestinian fighters. We will stand by the Palestinian fighters until the liberation of Palestine and Jerusalem." Iran stands alone in this public support.
4) Death Toll Rises
On the ground, the death toll is rising fast on both sides. As of this reporting, over 70 Israeli civilians have been killed, over 1,000 have been injured, and many more have been captured and taken back to Gaza. Meanwhile, according to reports out of Gaza, over 160 Palestinians have been killed with over 1,000 injured as a result of the ground and air incursion that has taken place following the terrorist attacks.
Additionally, Hamas fighters have publicly stated that those captured will remain imprisoned until Israel releases all Palestinian fighters currently incarcerated. Despite this, there have been reports this morning of individuals being paraded through the streets in Gaza, with many being murdered by Hamas fighters. Videos on the ground depict Hamas fighters going door to door looking for Israeli civilians to capture.
5) What Will Happen Next?
The simple answer is no one knows. This latest attack on Israel is one of the worst in decades. In 2021, when smaller-scale attacks were launched, a 10-day war broke out with many being killed and injured. We are currently at risk for a larger scale war breaking out in the region, including with incursions from Hezbollah to the North, Syria, Iraq, and even Iran. In a worrying development, United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon have been ordered to withdraw and shelter in place as there are growing fears that Hezbollah might clash with Israel.
Disclaimer: With any war, news and information is often scattered and hard to come by. I will provide you updates as I learn more.