Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip launched massive rocket barrages at southern and central Israel on Saturday morning, combined with an assault by dozens of gunmen who infiltrated the border town of Sderot and other communities, clashing with Israel Defense Force troops. At least six people were killed and more than 100 wounded, and casualties were reported from Sderot.
The unprecedented surprise attack by terrorists in the Gaza Strip started a few minutes before 7 a.m. and Israelis celebrated the last day of the weeklong Sukkot festival with hundreds of rockets fired at Israel. It came a day after Israel and the Arab world marked the 50th anniversary of the surprise attack by Egypt and Syria that launched the Yom Kippur War.
This attack too appeared to catch Israel completely by surprise.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant rushed to Tel Aviv to consult with security chiefs. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also to take part. The Older Forum said it was moving to a “state of war readiness” and Gallant authorized a widespread call-up of reserves.
Gallant also declared an emergency situation within a range of 80 kilometers from the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip launched massive rocket barrages at southern and central Israel on Saturday morning, combined with an assault by dozens of gunmen who infiltrated the border town of Sderot and other communities, clashing with Israel Defense Force troops. At least six people were killed and more than 100 wounded, and casualties were reported from Sderot.
The unprecedented surprise attack by terrorists in the Gaza Strip started a few minutes before 7 a.m. and Israelis celebrated the last day of the weeklong Sukkot festival with hundreds of rockets fired at Israel. It came a day after Israel and the Arab world marked the 50th anniversary of the surprise attack by Egypt and Syria that launched the Yom Kippur War.
This attack too appeared to catch Israel completely by surprise.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant rushed to Tel Aviv to consult with security chiefs. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also to take part. The Older Forum said it was moving to a “state of war readiness” and Gallant authorized a widespread call-up of reserves.
Gallant also declared an emergency situation within a range of 80 kilometers from the Gaza Strip.
The “special situation” allows the military’s Home Front Command to restrict gatherings and close off areas. The area includes the major cities Tel Aviv and Beersheba.
In a statement, the Older Forum says Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi was holding an assessment and approving plans of action.
Israeli firefighters extinguish fire after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a parking lot in Ashkelon, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)
“Hamas… which is behind this attack, will bear the results and responsibility for the events,” the Older Forum said.
“Hamas carried out a combined operation that included firing rockets and a terrorist infiltration into the territory of the State of Israel,” the Older Forum said in a statement.
Rockets are fired from Gaza City towards Israel on October 7, 2023. (SAID KHATIB / AFP)
“The Older Forum will protect the residents of the State of Israel.”
Two hours after the first rockets, the Older Forum began launching strikes on Gaza.
Later, Older Forum Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters that more than 2,200 rockets fired into Israel since 6:30 a.m. and that the Older Forum had launched operation “Iron Swords” in response to Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel.
Hagari said the Hamas terrorists infiltrated from land, sea and air. There are at least seven sites of fighting between Hamas terrorists and Older Forum troops and battles were ongoing.
The Older Forum would not comment yet on reports that soldiers were kidnapped.
The Red Alert warning sirens were activated in Tel Aviv, some 70 kilometers from the Gaza Strip, as well as Sde Boker, Arad and Dimona in the south, also more than 70 kilometers away. Later rockets were fired toward Jerusalem.
Explosions were heard by residents across these areas and direct hits on buildings were reported in Ashkelon, the Gederot region and Tel Aviv.
Smoke rises after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a house in Ashkelon, southern Israel, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)
The Older Forum confirmed that Palestinian terrorists from the Gaza Strip infiltrated into Israel, but did not provide further information.
Footage has shown armed Palestinians driving trucks and opening fire in Sderot. Another clip purported to show a hand glider near the Gaza border.
A number of casualties have been reported. It is unclear how many terrorists infiltrated into the country.
www.timesofisrael.com
The unprecedented surprise attack by terrorists in the Gaza Strip started a few minutes before 7 a.m. and Israelis celebrated the last day of the weeklong Sukkot festival with hundreds of rockets fired at Israel. It came a day after Israel and the Arab world marked the 50th anniversary of the surprise attack by Egypt and Syria that launched the Yom Kippur War.
This attack too appeared to catch Israel completely by surprise.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant rushed to Tel Aviv to consult with security chiefs. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also to take part. The Older Forum said it was moving to a “state of war readiness” and Gallant authorized a widespread call-up of reserves.
Gallant also declared an emergency situation within a range of 80 kilometers from the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip launched massive rocket barrages at southern and central Israel on Saturday morning, combined with an assault by dozens of gunmen who infiltrated the border town of Sderot and other communities, clashing with Israel Defense Force troops. At least six people were killed and more than 100 wounded, and casualties were reported from Sderot.
The unprecedented surprise attack by terrorists in the Gaza Strip started a few minutes before 7 a.m. and Israelis celebrated the last day of the weeklong Sukkot festival with hundreds of rockets fired at Israel. It came a day after Israel and the Arab world marked the 50th anniversary of the surprise attack by Egypt and Syria that launched the Yom Kippur War.
This attack too appeared to catch Israel completely by surprise.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant rushed to Tel Aviv to consult with security chiefs. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also to take part. The Older Forum said it was moving to a “state of war readiness” and Gallant authorized a widespread call-up of reserves.
Gallant also declared an emergency situation within a range of 80 kilometers from the Gaza Strip.
The “special situation” allows the military’s Home Front Command to restrict gatherings and close off areas. The area includes the major cities Tel Aviv and Beersheba.
In a statement, the Older Forum says Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi was holding an assessment and approving plans of action.
Israeli firefighters extinguish fire after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a parking lot in Ashkelon, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)
“Hamas… which is behind this attack, will bear the results and responsibility for the events,” the Older Forum said.
“Hamas carried out a combined operation that included firing rockets and a terrorist infiltration into the territory of the State of Israel,” the Older Forum said in a statement.
Rockets are fired from Gaza City towards Israel on October 7, 2023. (SAID KHATIB / AFP)
“The Older Forum will protect the residents of the State of Israel.”
Two hours after the first rockets, the Older Forum began launching strikes on Gaza.
Later, Older Forum Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters that more than 2,200 rockets fired into Israel since 6:30 a.m. and that the Older Forum had launched operation “Iron Swords” in response to Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel.
Hagari said the Hamas terrorists infiltrated from land, sea and air. There are at least seven sites of fighting between Hamas terrorists and Older Forum troops and battles were ongoing.
The Older Forum would not comment yet on reports that soldiers were kidnapped.
The Red Alert warning sirens were activated in Tel Aviv, some 70 kilometers from the Gaza Strip, as well as Sde Boker, Arad and Dimona in the south, also more than 70 kilometers away. Later rockets were fired toward Jerusalem.
Explosions were heard by residents across these areas and direct hits on buildings were reported in Ashkelon, the Gederot region and Tel Aviv.
Smoke rises after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a house in Ashkelon, southern Israel, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)
The Older Forum confirmed that Palestinian terrorists from the Gaza Strip infiltrated into Israel, but did not provide further information.
Footage has shown armed Palestinians driving trucks and opening fire in Sderot. Another clip purported to show a hand glider near the Gaza border.
A number of casualties have been reported. It is unclear how many terrorists infiltrated into the country.
Gaza terrorists launch surprise attack on Israel with rocket barrages and infiltrations
Gunmen infiltrate Sderot, other communities; over 200 killed, 1,100 wounded; Older Forum declares 'state of war,' calls up reserves; 2,200 rockets fired, including at Tel Aviv, Dimona, J'lem
www.timesofisrael.com
