In a shocking turn of events, the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented, multi-front attack on Israel. Thousands of rockets were fired, while Hamas fighters infiltrated Israel’s heavily fortified border by air, land, and sea, catching the country off-guard on a major holiday.

As of now, at least 22 people have been killed and hundreds wounded in Israel, making it the deadliest attack in years. The Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba reported treating at least 280 casualties, with 60 in serious condition.

Hamas fighters were seen parading stolen Israeli military vehicles, and videos indicated the capture of at least three Israelis. Israel declared a state of war, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing that the enemy would “pay an unprecedented price.”

This attack on Simchat Torah, a joyous Jewish holiday, brought back painful memories of the 1973 Mideast war and raised criticism of Israel’s readiness and government response. Israel’s military responded with airstrikes in Gaza as rockets reached as far as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

It remains unclear what prompted this attack, but tensions had been simmering along the Gaza frontier for weeks. The situation is further complicated by internal divisions within Israel over proposed judicial reforms, which have led to mass protests and concerns about military readiness.

Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, expressed support for Hamas, escalating regional tensions. The blockade of Gaza since 2007 continues to exacerbate the situation, with the blockade’s impact on the territory’s economy a longstanding point of contention.

Credit: AP