Written by: Sam Orlando
Jerusalem — In a sudden and breathtaking escalation of violence, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched what Israel's defense forces are calling an attack by "land, sea, and air" on Saturday, marking an audacious evolution in the group's tactics against Israel.
Eyewitness videos have shown Hamas fighters swooping into southern Israel using motorized paragliders, a method not previously seen in the ongoing conflict. On-the-ground reports from Reuters speak of confrontations in the streets, with fighters appearing to emerge from nowhere and opening fire.
In videos that seem almost surreal, mobile phone footage captured the paragliders, underlining the audacity and planning behind this strategy. Hamas subsequently released footage, possibly for propaganda, that showcases their militants training on these paragliders.
Beyond this aerial incursion, the scale of attacks launched from other directions has been profound. An IDF spokesperson stated that over 2,200 rockets have been launched into Israel, though Hamas claims this number to be over 5,000. Ground zero of this explosive conflict encompasses at least seven sites where intense fighting rages between Hamas fighters and IDF troops.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video message, left no ambiguity regarding the country's stance: "We are at war," he declared. He asserted Israel's resilience and conviction, assuring that the nation "will win." Following the onslaught, Israel's government announced a state of war, urging citizens to be on high alert, especially those close to the Gaza Strip.
Casualty reports have started pouring in. Israel's N12 news channel reports the death toll for Israelis at 22, with over 300 injuries. Adding to the high-strung atmosphere, unverified claims and videos suggest potential kidnappings of IDF soldiers by Hamas.
Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, referring to the recent tensions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, said, "We warned the enemy not to continue his aggression against the Al-Aqsa Mosque." In a rare and alarming directive, he urged Palestinians in the West Bank and within the Green Line to launch attacks "without restraint."
The Al-Aqsa Mosque, a key religious site in Jerusalem, has historically been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Earlier this week, it witnessed confrontations when hundreds of Israelis entered its compound.
This significant escalation signals a concerning chapter in the region's volatile history. As the dust settles on this day's confrontations, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping for restraint but preparing for the potential of an expanded conflict.
Stay tuned to Breaking Through News for the latest updates on the developing war in Israel.
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