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Israel has directed its state-run electricity company to cease the supply of electricity to the Gaza Strip on Saturday in response to a surprise attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, according to the statement made by Energy Minister Israel Katz.
Hamas has released images indicating the capture of several Israelis, and Israel’s army spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, confirmed the presence of “kidnapped soldiers and civilians.” However, specific figures are not available at this time. These actions are considered war crimes committed by Hamas, and they will face consequences.
The Islamist group initiated the attack at approximately 6:30 am (0330 GMT), launching thousands of rockets, some of which targeted Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Some rockets bypassed the Iron Dome defense system, striking buildings.
Hamas fighters, utilizing vehicles, boats, and even motorized paragliders, breached Gaza’s security barrier and launched attacks on nearby Israeli towns and military posts, targeting both residents and passersby.
Israeli army Major General Ghasan Alyan cautioned that Hamas had “unleashed chaos.”
The Israeli army reported that its forces were actively engaged in live gun battles at various locations near the Gaza Strip, referring to the operation as “Swords of Iron.”
An AFP journalist in Gaza observed smoke emanating from the remnants of a residential tower that had been destroyed in Israeli strikes. Gaza’s interior ministry reported that the tower contained 100 apartments and was completely demolished.
Israel’s military maintained that it had issued evacuation warnings to residents before targeting two multi-story buildings used by Hamas.
Doctors Without Borders, an aid organization, reported that one of the strikes hit Gaza’s Indonesian hospital and an ambulance stationed outside Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, resulting in multiple casualties.
