Hamas Launches Unprecedented Attack on Israel, Killing 22 and Wounding Hundreds

Early Saturday morning, the ruling Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip launched an unprecedented, multi-front attack on Israel. Thousands of rockets were fired as dozens of Hamas fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border in several locations by air, land and sea. The attack caught Israel off-guard on a major holiday.

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza, there were injuries among “many citizens”. Israel’s national rescue service reported that at least 22 people were killed and hundreds wounded in the Hamas military incursion. Israeli media reported that dozens of people were hospitalized in southern Israel. This makes the operation the deadliest in Israeli territory in years.

Six hours after the invasion began, Hamas militants were still fighting gunbattles inside several Israeli communities. There have been reports of many more casualties on both sides, but authorities have not yet released details.

The attack by Hamas has been condemned by the international community. The United Nations Security Council is expected to meet on Sunday to discuss the situation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to respond with “great force” to the attack.

The attack by Hamas has caused widespread destruction and disruption in the region. It is unclear how long the conflict will last, but it is certain that the situation will be closely monitored by the international community.