Israel declares national emergency after 22 killed, hundreds injured in attack by Hamas

The Israeli military acknowledged the infiltration of "a number of terrorists into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip" in a statement. Residents residing in the vicinity of the Gaza Strip were advised to remain in their homes.

In a swift response to a devastating attack by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Saturday (October 7) declared a state of national emergency in Israel on Saturday. The attack resulted in the tragic loss of at least 22 Israeli lives, with over 500 individuals wounded and some civilians taken hostage.

This audacious assault featured militants infiltrating from Gaza into Israel, unleashing a massive rocket barrage that targeted cities across the southern and central regions of the nation. The unprecedented scale of this attack prompted a rapid and comprehensive reaction from Israeli authorities.

Sirens echoed throughout Israel, including in the heart of Jerusalem. Reports from Israeli media indicated that gunmen had opened fire on pedestrians in the southern town of Sderot, while social media circulated videos depicting street clashes.

The Israeli military acknowledged the infiltration of "a number of terrorists into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip" in a statement. Residents residing in the vicinity of the Gaza Strip were advised to remain in their homes. The statement also underscored the Israeli Defense Forces' unwavering commitment to protecting Israeli civilians and warned of severe consequences for the Hamas terrorist organization in response to their actions.