Israel declared an all out “state of war” on Saturday after Palestinian terrorists reportedly fired thousands of rockets from inside Gaza and while dozens of highly armed terrorists infiltrated parts of Israel opening fire on innocent civilians.
The attacks were carried out by Hamas, an Islamic terrorist group that is funded in-part by Iran, during the holiday of Simchat Torah and on Shabbat — the Jewish day of rest that is observed by many in Israel.
Terrorist Mohammad Deif, Hamas’s military chief, said that his militants fired 5,000 rockets into Israel as part of “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm.” He called for surrounding Islamic nations to join the Palestinian terrorists in their attacks on Israel.
Israel Defense Forces released a map only a few hours into the attack that showed all the places where rockets from the attack had landed. The IDF suggested that the number of rockets fired into Israel was approximately 2,500.
Israelis across the country—on Shabbat and the holiday of Simchat Torah—woke up to sirens sounding and Hamas firing rockets at them from Gaza this morning.
We will defend ourselves. pic.twitter.com/S9GN8fld4Y
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 7, 2023
Large rocket barrage targeting southern/central Israel. pic.twitter.com/iQ17tEELpy
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) October 7, 2023
An exact number of fatalities was unknown during the early stages of the attack, although it is expected to be high, but local reports said that hundreds of people were injured in the attacks and that number is expected to grow.
“Hamas made a grave mistake this morning and started a war against the State of Israel,” said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. “IDF soldiers are fighting the enemy at all the infiltration sites,” Gallant says in remarks provided by his office. The State of Israel will win this war.”
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The IDF said that “the Hamas terrorist organization will pay a heavy price for its actions.”
Images and video circulating on social media that were reported on by various newswires, major newspapers, and local publications showed horrifying scenes as rockets smashed into the side of residential buildings, cars and at least one military tank were on fire, numerous bodies lay on the ground in pools of blood, the bodies of Israeli soldiers were desecrated by Palestinians, and Islamic terrorists roamed the streets hunting for Israeli citizens. There were also reports that hostages may have been taken — Israeli soldiers and potentially civilians — and it appears that the terrorists were able to steal significant military hardware from Israel.
Warning: Some of the images and videos below contain highly graphic footage.
Significant rocket launches from the Gaza Strip. pic.twitter.com/iJmvvGKqft
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) October 7, 2023
Apocalyptic scenes right now in southern Israel. pic.twitter.com/uuseUdcytV
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) October 7, 2023
Multiple impacts in southern Israel. pic.twitter.com/PC5z5y5WZi
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) October 7, 2023
Multiple rocket impacts in southern Israel. This was coordinated by multiple factions in Gaza, I’m told.
We’ve covered many rounds between Israel and Gaza in the past. Expect days of fighting ahead. pic.twitter.com/Gv0bFXWNcS
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) October 7, 2023
Armed Palestinian gunmen belonging to Hamas celebrate after what appears to be the killing of two Israeli soldiers at the Gaza border. The video is edited due to its graphic content. pic.twitter.com/lc6IFEzekN
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) October 7, 2023
A Palestinian films himself near a burning IDF tank at the Gaza border. pic.twitter.com/sHrxw87z4k
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) October 7, 2023
Unconfirmed reports of an IDF tank targeted at the Gaza border. pic.twitter.com/rDDnh2yHcI
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) October 7, 2023
🚨 Capture of an Israeli soldier from his tank pic.twitter.com/M7NQYFsThL
— Middle East Observer (@ME_Observer_) October 7, 2023
Hamas has reportedly Captured a Merkava Mark IV Main Battle Tank and at least 1 Namer APC after they Overran an Israeli Military Base near the Gaza Strip. pic.twitter.com/NgJKrv5hOg
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 7, 2023
A shootout between Israeli forces and what is likely a Nukhba commando unit of Hamas. pic.twitter.com/EeUQQS4DBg
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) October 7, 2023
Palestinian Gunmen seen in the City of Sderot within the last several minutes Opening-Fire on a passing Police Car. pic.twitter.com/WasDjNSYgv
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 7, 2023
Terrorists with the Al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas have reportedly Captured an Israeli Military Base near the Border with Gaza. pic.twitter.com/60EQQAuoQT
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 7, 2023
Palestinian Terrorists are continuing to Open-Fire on any passing Civilian that they see in Southern Israel. pic.twitter.com/wiOgUfTohs
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 7, 2023
An Israeli Humvee was also Captured by Palestinian Fighters during their Attack. pic.twitter.com/Fm2WV1LPlk
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 7, 2023
Israeli Defense Force Equipment and Vehicles have reportedly been Captured by Palestinian Fighters during their Incursion into Southern Israel. pic.twitter.com/yLEBWu4aCG
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 7, 2023
Israeli air defense intercept rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups in the Gaza Strip. pic.twitter.com/nV1aLdallD
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) October 7, 2023
🚨🚨WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT
Palestinians parading around the body of a young Israeli woman.
These are the people world leaders want Israel to make peace with.
These are the people @JoeBiden and the @un say are good people who deserve every consideration.
Pray for Israel. pic.twitter.com/wIgN9S2ph6
— Jay Engelmayer (@jengelmayer) October 7, 2023
Inside footage of Palestinian militant group Al-Qassam Brigades entering one of the Israeli bases near Rafah. pic.twitter.com/JXg7ANrNkY
— Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) October 7, 2023
Gaza militants and crowd celebrate as they killed an IDF soldier and brought the body back to Gaza. pic.twitter.com/ujE7whxWEX
— AG (@AGHamilton29) October 7, 2023
Footage has been released by Hamas showing a number of IDF Hostages who were Surrounded at their Base and eventually taken back to Gaza. pic.twitter.com/UA24Y0bGCy
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 7, 2023
Unconfirmed reports of at least one paraglider attempting to infiltrate southern Israel during rocket fire from the Gaza Strip. pic.twitter.com/GerPyGkFw1
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) October 7, 2023
Palestinian terrorists invaded a festival where hundreds of Israelis were camping out for the Shemini Atzeret holiday.
The panic caused by this is evident on the fades of the civilians being targeted by heavily armed militants.
Pray for Israel. pic.twitter.com/l6zviWr2hy
— Jay Engelmayer (@jengelmayer) October 7, 2023