Hamas, a militant group, has claimed responsibility for taking hostages during their attack on Israel. They posted footage on their Telegram account showing their fighters pulling Israeli soldiers out of a tank. Sky News also identified footage from the Erez checkpoint and the village of Be’eri, where hostages were seen being beaten and led away by armed men. Another video emerged online showing a captured Israeli woman being forced into a vehicle in Gaza by men shouting “Allahu Akbar”. The Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that civilians and soldiers were being held hostage by Hamas militants in Gaza.
News sources report that up to 50 Israelis have been taken hostage by Hamas gunmen in the Beeri Kibbutz near the Gaza border. Other reports suggest that militants were holding Israelis hostage in the town of Ofakim, near the border with Gaza. Saleh al-Arouri, a senior leader of Hamas, stated that the group had enough captives to secure the release of all Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. This follows an attack by Hamas militants that resulted in the deaths of 70 Israelis and numerous injuries.
Retaliatory air strikes by Israeli forces have resulted in the deaths of at least 198 Palestinians and 1,610 injuries, according to Palestinian officials. This attack is the deadliest on Israeli territory in years. Israel’s defence minister described the situation as a “war” and vowed to fight against the enemy at every location. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “We are at war, and we will win.” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas asserted that the Palestinian people have the right to defend themselves against Israel’s occupation.
Hamas launched thousands of rockets during the attack, according to Israeli military sources. Phone footage revealed Hamas fighters attempting to reach Israel on small boats, and some using paragliders to cross the border. Gun battles were heard in the town of Sderot as fighters entered the city in pick-up trucks and motorbikes.
Air raid sirens sounded across southern and central Israel, accompanied by explosions in various cities. One rocket hit a building in southern Israel, critically injuring a 70-year-old woman. The IDF announced a large-scale operation called “Swords of Iron” in response to the attack. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Hamas had made a grave mistake by launching a war against Israel, and urged citizens to follow security instructions. The military spokesperson for Israel reported that Hamas fired 2,500 rockets, while the group’s military commander claimed 5,000 rockets were launched.
The militant leader referred to the attack as the beginning of “Operation Al Aqsa Storm,” in response to Israeli violence. He emphasized the importance of regaining their revolution and setting the earth on fire under the feet of the occupiers.