'We are at war': Benjamin Netanyahu responds to Hamas attacks, India issues advisory
At least 22 people were killed in the attack: Reports
At least 22 people were killed in the attack: Reports
At least 22 people were killed in the attack: Reports
At least 22 people were killed in the attack: Reports
“We are at war and we will win,” said Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he declared a 'state of war' in response to a surprise rocket attack by Palestine's Hamas militants and retaliated with air strikes on Gaza strip.
“Our enemy will receive a response that it has never known,” said Netanyahu hours after the attack. Following this, India issued advisory for its citizens in Israel and asked them to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols.
Launching Operation Iron Swords to retaliate, the IDF said it “is initiating a large-scale operation to defend Israeli civilians against the combined attack launched against Israel by Hamas this morning.” The Israeli military has instructed residents of towns near the Gaza Strip to remain in their homes, and the rest of the public to remain near bomb shelters.
Speaking about Operation Iron Swords, Israel's Ambassador to India Naor Gilon told ANI, "Israel is currently fighting to repel coordinated, large and multi-pronged
Palestinian terror attacks. These attacks which were launched early this morning by Hamas on our civilians, sleeping peacefully in their beds, in cities and villages of the south and central Israel are war crimes.
“The cowardly actions of Hamas, targeting and killing women, children and elderly, injuring hundreds of civilians and firing indiscriminately over 2,000 missiles and rockets at our cities, came during the sacred Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah,” he added. “Israel will repel this combined assault of rocket fire and ground infiltration of Hamas terrorists and will take any and all actions to protect our citizens. We appreciate the support of the people of India as we stand firm in the face of terrorism."
Following the attacks, Ha'aretz quoted Mohammed Deif, the Head of Hamas' military wing as saying, "We warned the enemy not to continue its aggression against the Al-Aqsa Mosque.” He added that this is only the “first stage" of Hamas' renewed efforts against Israel.