“Enough is enough,” the head of Hamas’ military wing said in a recorded message that called on all Palestinians to join the fight.
What We Know:
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was at war with Hamas after the Palestinian militant group that controls the Gaza Strip launched an unprecedented land, sea and air attack.
- The leader of Hamas’ military wing announced the group was behind the attack on Israel, which it dubbed “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” and announced it has launched 5,000 rockets at Israel.
- At least 22 Israelis have been killed, health officials said. Palestinian media reported six had died in the Gaza Strip.
- Israel launched “Operation Swords of Iron” and called up reservists to boost the armed forces.
- Fighting was ongoing inside Israel Saturday morning, officials said.
With at least 22 people killed, this appears to be the deadliest attack in Israel in years.
Meanwhile, Palestinian media reported that at least six people died in the Gaza Strip.
Reporting from The Associated Press suggested the death toll could be higher, with the news agency saying reporters witnessed the funerals of 15 people who were killed and saw another eight bodies arrive at a local hospital. The agency said it was not immediately clear if they were fighters or civilians. NBC News was not immediately able to independently verify that reporting.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Saturday that Palestinians have the right to defend themselves against the “terror of settlers and occupation troops,” the official news agency WAFA quoted him as saying.
He spoke at an emergency meeting held in Ramallah with a number of top officials from the Palestinian National Authority.
While the Palestinian Authority claims control of the Gaza Strip, Hamas is actually in control. The two are at odds and have clashed violently in the past.
The European Union “unequivocally” condemned Hamas’ attacks and expressed solidarity on Israel on Saturday.
“This horrific violence must stop immediately. Terrorism and violence solve nothing,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on X.
Britain, France, Ukraine, Italy, Germany and Spain also expressed their support for Israel.
Russia “is now in good contact with everyone” and “called for restraint” from all sides, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Israel and Palestinians “to act reasonably” and avoid a further escalation.
NBC
