Hamas militants fired thousands of rockets and sent dozens of fighters into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip in an unprecedented surprise early morning attack during a major Jewish holiday Saturday, killing dozens and stunning the country. Israel said it is now at war with Hamas and launched airstrikes in Gaza, vowing to inflict an “unprecedented price.”

Hours after the incursion began, Israeli troops were still fighting Hamas gunmen in 22 locations near the Gaza Strip, including towns and other communities, army spokesman Daniel Hagari said — a startling sign of the breadth of the assault.

Israel’s national rescue service said at least 100 people were killed and hundreds wounded, making it the deadliest attack in Israel in years. An unknown number of Israeli soldiers and civilians were also taken captive and brought into Gaza, an enormously sensitive issue for Israel. Hagari said militants were also holding hostages in standoffs in two towns, Beeri and Ofakim, which is 15 miles (24 kilometers) from the Gaza border.

  • PugJesus@kbin.social
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    1 year ago

    This is nothing but a boon for the far-right on both sides of this conflict. Hamas has started a conflict to shore up their own "Us vs. Them" credentials, and Bibi's government is more than willing to accept the opportunity. God help the people caught in the middle.

    • MonkeyScryer@lemm.ee
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      1 year ago

      Bibi's government is happy this has happened. Basically the only option given to Palestinians is: die a slow death or go down fighting. This is not a "both sides" issue. Israel is fascist dump.

    • NoneOfUrBusiness@kbin.social
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      1 year ago

      Hamas has started a conflict to shore up their own "Us vs. Them" credentials,

      I mean they don't really need the help. They probably have a strategic goal somewhere.