Updated 14.19 | Published 13.36
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Israel’s government is in crisis session.
Many Israelis are reportedly being held hostage in Gaza – both civilians and soldiers.
At the same time, Hamas’ attacks on the country continue.
Early in the morning, the attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip started.
Shortly thereafter, Hamas released a statement.
“Soon, the Chief of Staff of the Al-Qassam Brigades, Mohammed Deif, will deliver an important statement to the Palestinian people,” Hamas wrote on its channels.
Moments later, the terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Israeli government has called a crisis meeting and a large number of Israelis are now said to be being held hostage in Gaza, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
Blasted through
In Hamas channels, the attack was presented as the “Al-Aqsa tidal wave”. The attack was said to be “a response to defend” the disputed mosque.
The attack didn’t just come in the form of rockets from the air.
Pictures show how Hamas made a hole in the fence and entered Israel. On a long stretch, motorcycles with armed men are lined up – ready to drive into Israel.
According to Hamas, border posts have also been taken over. Films show how several parts of the barrier against Israel are blown to pieces. Gunmen stormed across the border and captured buildings on the border.
Soon after, pickup trucks with armed men appeared in several places in southern Israel and several villages were taken over. On its channels, Hamas images share the devastation of the attacks.
Flew over the border
On Hamas channels, a lavish film is shared in which a number of armed paragliders take off and fly over the border to Israel.
Helicopters are also said to have been used according to Hamas propaganda. Several videos show how grenades are dropped on tanks and Israeli soldiers.
“Meeted by a wave of Israeli soldiers”
This morning’s attack came as a shock and the Israeli authorities confirmed that Hamas had taken control of 21 villages during the morning.
Then came Israel’s response to the attack in the form of Operation “Iron Sword”.
“The terrorists infiltrating areas are now being met by a wave of Israeli soldiers,” said Daniel Hagar, an IDF spokesman.
Israel then deployed warplanes into Gaza, striking targets linked to Hamas, according to Israeli Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee.
The Israeli authorities have confirmed that at least 22 people died and over 500 people were injured in the attack. In Gaza, 20 people have died, writes the television channel Al Arabyia.