Israel wages 'war' against Hamas after ‘surprise’ attack: What is Operation Iron Swords?
Israel-Palestine War News: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched Operation 'Iron Swords' in retaliation for an unprecedented and “surprise" attack by Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist militant organisation, on Israel. The ruling Hamas in the Gaza Strip on Saturday launched a multi-front attack on Israel, firing nearly 5,000 rockets. During the attack, hundreds of Hamas militants infiltrated the Israeli territory, sneaking across the separation fence and invading through paragliders, and opened fire at the civilians, killing 22 and wounding many.
The death toll from the Palestinian militant group’s attack is likely to rise. Israel-Palestine War News LIVE Updates In his first address since the Hamas attack, PM Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation and declared a “state of war". Netanyahu has also noted that Hamas has made a “grave" mistake by attacking Israel.
“Citizens of Israel, we are at war. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price. We will win this war," PM Netanyahu said.
In a massive retaliation, the defence forces of Israel have started to strike the Hamas targets in Gaza Strip. The counteroffensive has been named Operation ‘Iron Swords’. “In response to the barrages of rockets launched by Hamas from Gaza at Israel, the IDF is currently striking Hamas targets in Gaza," the Israel Defense Forces said.
Hamas has claimed to have “captured" civilians and soldiers during their infiltration into Israel. Hamas also released some pictures showing its militants invading Israel and an IDF post at the Gaza border. In a statement, Hamas commander has said that it launched attacks on the Israeli territory ‘in defense of Al-Aqsa’ which was stormed by Israeli settlers a few days ago.
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