Israel has initiated a counterstrike against Hamas militants in Gaza and launched artillery strikes in Lebanon following an unexpected attack that resulted in the deaths of at least 300 Israelis.
In response to the deadliest day of violence in Israel in half a century, Israeli warplanes carried out retaliatory bombings in densely populated Gaza City. The Palestine Tower in the Al-Rimal neighborhood, one of Gaza's tallest buildings, was reduced to rubble, and the Burc Vatan shopping mall emitted heavy smoke and flames.
In northern Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted artillery strikes in the disputed region of Mount Dov, which was targeted by mortar fire from Lebanon. Hezbollah militants, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the attacks, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian resistance. Meanwhile, Israeli fighter jets conducted air strikes on Hamas intelligence chief's compound.
Drone footage released by the military showed Hamas fighters being attacked as they attempted to cross into Israeli territory.
Armored columns, including tanks and armored personnel carriers, were seen moving north toward Israel's borders with Lebanon and Syria.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as a "long and difficult war" imposed on Israel by a deadly Hamas attack. He announced that the "offensive phase" of the IDF's response had begun.
IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari reported that more than 400 Palestinian militants had been killed in southern Israel and Gaza, with dozens captured. Israeli ambassador to the United Kingdom Tzipi Hotovely blamed Iran for supporting Hamas in the lead-up to the attack.
Since the Hamas blitz attack on Saturday, over 300 Israelis have been killed, and more than 1,590 have been injured. At least 26 Israeli soldiers were killed in an attack by Hamas militants in southern Israel. The retaliatory Israeli military action has resulted in the deaths of at least 313 Palestinians, with nearly 2,000 injuries.
As of Sunday morning, Israel continued to combat Hamas incursions in eight locations.
The situation has prompted increased security measures at synagogues in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed unwavering support for Israel after speaking with Netanyahu.
In other developments, a German tattoo artist was abducted and murdered by Hamas militants, and innocent victims were abducted from a music festival in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to turn Gaza into "rubble."
Hamas initiated the attack with a massive rocket barrage into southern Israel, followed by a multi-pronged infiltration of armed militants into Israel from Gaza. The clashes throughout the day resulted in hundreds of Israeli casualties, including hostages taken by Hamas fighters.
While two hostage situations have been "resolved" by Sunday morning, the exact number of hostages and their condition remains unclear.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak denounced the Hamas attack as "cowardly and depraved." Photo by Hoheit (¿!), Wikimedia commons.