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Dead Israelis spikes above 200 - report
N12 was reporting at least 200 Israelis dead. The IDF confirmed Hamas had taken hostages.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

An aerial view shows vehicles on fire as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel October 7, 2023. (photo credit: REUTERS/ILAN ROSENBERG)
An aerial view shows vehicles on fire as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel October 7,
The Hamas terrorist organization has taken Israelis captive in Gaza, the IDF has confirmed hours after a barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel Saturday.

Hamas terrorists infiltrated the country and took over Southern Israeli towns, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is at war.

"Since this morning, the State of Israel is at war," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, shortly after the IDF declared "Operation Swords of Iron."

At least 100 people were announced dead by early evening and more than 900 wounded by Magen David Adom and the Health Ministry. The number of people captured has not yet been confirmed.

Among them, Ofir Liebstein, head of the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council, was killed in an exchange of fire with terrorists. Liebstein was killed as he defended his settlement during an attack. Deputy head of the council, Yossi Keren, is currently filling his place.

An aerial view shows vehicles on fire as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel October 7, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/ILAN ROSENBERG)
An aerial view shows vehicles on fire as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel October 7, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/ILAN ROSENBERG)
A second Israeli - a woman in her 60s - was killed when a rocket hit her building in the Gederot Regional Council.

The names and identities of the other victims had not yet been released, but the IDF said the numbers included several soldiers.

Upwards of 2,000 rockets were fired, the IDF said. Sirens sounded multiple times in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and southern Israel.

Shelters were opened across the country.

A direct hit was reported on a building in Ashkelon. Dozens of vehicles also caught fire in the city. Many parts of Ashkelon and the surrounding were without electricity.

In Ramla, four civilians who were trapped under a damaged building were rescued by the Israel Fire and Rescue personnel.

Smoke is seen in the Rehovot area as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip, in Israel October 7, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/ILAN ROSENBERG)
Smoke is seen in the Rehovot area as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip, in Israel October 7, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/ILAN ROSENBERG)
"We urge residents to stay in protected areas, avoid approaching the scenes, and refrain from touching rocket remnants that may contain explosives or similar hazards," Israel Police said.

"The public is urged to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command to stay close to protected areas, and residents of the Gaza periphery are requested to stay indoors," the army requested.

'The State of Israel will win this war’
"The Hamas [terrorist organization] has made a grave mistake this morning and launched a war against the State of Israel. IDF troops are fighting against the enemy at every location," said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant following a situation assessment, as the IDF struck back with multiple forces.

Dozens of fighter jets and other aircraft of the IDF targeted 17 military facilities and four operational headquarters of the Hamas terrorist organization throughout the Gaza Strip, the IDF said.

"We have combat management over the Gaza Division, including support from combat helicopters; we have control there," the IDF added. "We are conducting blockades with the Israel Police in all regions. There are airstrikes on several targets, such as tunnels, launchers, and fighter jets striking the border. Hundreds of such strikes have been carried out - resulting in many casualties, including numerous terrorists.

"The main effort is to eliminate all terrorists on the border and anyone attempting to return to the Gaza Strip. We first engage with aerial fire, followed by heavy ground assets," the army said.

Gallant approved the draft of reserve soldiers per the IDF's requirements. He also announced a "special security situation" in Israel's Homefront, within a 0-80 km radius of the Gaza Strip. This status enables the IDF to provide civilians with safety instructions at close relevant sites.

"IDF is targeting all Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad targets in the Gaza Strip," the IDF said. "Wherever there are Hamas operatives, they will be targeted, they have no immunity."

Gallant added: "The State of Israel will win this war."

מבצע "חרבות ברזל"

עשרות מטוסי קרב וכלי טיס נוספים של צה"ל תקפו בשעות האחרונות 17 מתחמים צבאיים ו-4 מפקדות מבצעיות של ארגון הטרור חמאס ברחבי רצועת עזה pic.twitter.com/ZM91Adym0v

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) October 7, 2023
In addition to the rockets, dozens of terrorists infiltrated numerous border points, the IDF said. There was also a maritime infiltration attempt into Kibbutz Zikim, as well as numerous border fence breaches.

In Ofakim and Be'er Sheva, there are events involving residents of the Arab community, and special forces with senior officers are handling the situation there, the IDF said. In Kibbutz Be'eri, also in Southern Israel, Hamas took dozens of Israelis hostages, according to media reports.

"We are conducting combat operations in 22 locations," the IDF said. " There is no settlement without our forces, in all the communities. Some settlements have been cleared, but additional sweeps are needed before declaring them safe."

A building is ablaze following rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel October 7, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/ITAI RON)
A building is ablaze following rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel October 7, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/ITAI RON)
Update on the developing security situation in Israel. The Israel Police calls on the public to adhere to police and IDF instructions pic.twitter.com/BJHA6SEhxZ

— Israel Police (@israelpolice) October 7, 2023
Official response
Israeli officials held a security meeting in the afternoon and updated the public on Israel's military plans.

"Our first goal is primarily to clear the territory of the enemy forces that have entered and restore security and calm to the settlements that have been attacked," Netanyahu said. "The second goal, concurrently, is to exact a heavy price from the enemy, even in the Gaza Strip. The third goal is to fortify other areas so no one mistakenly joins this war."

Israel right now. pic.twitter.com/zEWSwHIPSj

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 7, 2023
Injured seek medical attention
Hundreds of Israelis sought medical attention at hospitals throughout the country.

Magen David Adom (MDA) said it had treated hundreds of people throughout the country, including many in critical condition. In addition, MDA teams provided care for victims of anxiety and other minor injuries resulting from falls on the way to shelters.

Hospitals including Soroka Medical Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Asaf Harofeh Hospital, Samson Assuta Ashdod Hospital, Hadassah Medical Center, and Barzilai Medical Center all took in wounded.

Soroka reported treating close to 300 people, including 60 in serious condition.

Hamas fires a large number of rockets towards Israel in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, October 7, 2023. (credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90)
Hamas fires a large number of rockets towards Israel in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, October 7, 2023. (credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90)
Politicians speak out
As the war waged on, Israeli officials from across the spectrum spoke out.

"The State of Israel is facing a difficult hour," said President Isaac Herzog. "I stand with the IDF, its commanders, soldiers, and all the security and rescue forces. I want to send words of encouragement and strength to all the residents of Israel who are under attack.

"I call upon everyone to listen to the instructions of the Home Front Command, to show mutual support, and to stay resilient," the president continued. "Together, we can overcome all those who wish us harm."

National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz said, "Hamas made a grave mistake, and they will bear the consequences. All citizens of Israel stand behind the IDF and the security forces, and the government has full backing to exact a heavy price for any determined and responsible action.

"We will remain attentive, united, and deliver a heavy and painful blow to the enemy," he continued.

Lapid stated that he would announce that he would support a military response to the broad attacks against Israeli citizens.

However, Labor Party leader Merav Michaeli wrote on X: "Today is Netanyahu's Yom Kippur - a terrible and shameful failure, and a tough morning. To start Saturday and the holiday morning, children run to the stairwell with terrible reports about what is happening in the southern settlements."

Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman stated, "Our strength is our unity. Fifty years since the Yom Kippur War, we once again find ourselves in a war for the home against the enemy. The Israeli government must exact a heavy price from Hamas."

Protest leaders also reacted, calling off the evening's demonstration in Tel Aviv.

"We stand by the IDF and the security forces carrying out their duties during this difficult time and hope for the restoration of calm and security," the Kaplan Force said.

Brothers in Arms and Forum 555 also called on their followers to support the IDF and fight for Israel's security.

"We call on everyone who is required to stand up for the defense of Israel to do so without hesitation and immediately," Brothers in Arms said in a statement. "Right now, the most important thing is the country's security."

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Taliban has asked Iran for passage to join terror campaign in Israel – report
By JERUSALEM POST STAFFTwitter Facebook
breaking news (photo credit: JPOST STAFF)
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The Taliban has reportedly asked Iran for passage to Israel to help Hamas continue it’s terror against the Jewish state, according to multiple foreign media reports from October 7.

The Taliban has allegedly asked for passage to ‘conquer Jerusalem’ if Iran, Jordan and Iraq are willing to support their troops.

BREAKING:

The Taliban have announced that they have asked Iran, Iraq and Jordan to grant them passage to Israel.

They have stated that their intent is to "conquer Jerusalem” pic.twitter.com/X5eLnPTboS

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3 Hours ago
UN peacekeeping force says has enhanced 'counter rocket-launching operations' in south Lebanon
By REUTERSTwitter Facebook
breaking news (photo credit: JPOST STAFF)
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(photo credit: JPOST STAFF)
The United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon said on Saturday it had enhanced its presence in its areas of operations near Lebanon's southern border with Israel, including "counter rocket-launching operations."

There have been fears of spillover since Palestinian Islamist group Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel.

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Violent Israel-Palestine escalation: Live updates
PM Benjamin Netanyahu promised harsh retaliation after Hamas, a leading Palestinian armed group, unleashed a major attack on the Jewish state
Violent Israel-Palestine escalation: Live updates
Rockets are fired toward Israel from the Gaza Strip, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. The rockets were fired as Hamas announced a new operation against Israel. © AP Photo/Fatima Shbair
Palestinian armed group Hamas launched thousands of missiles at Israel and deployed its militants to infiltrate Jewish settlements near the country’s border with Gaza on Saturday morning.

A number of people have been killed and hundreds wounded in the surprise attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that country was “at war” and promised Hamas retaliation they “have never known before.” Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded by sending dozens of warplanes to strike targets in Gaza.

07 October 2023

19:56 GMT
Several US airlines, including United, Delta, and American, have canceled scheduled international flights to and from Tel Aviv for the weekend as fighting between the Israeli military and Hamas militants continued all day Saturday. “The safety of our customers and crews is our top priority,” United said in a statement, noting it was “closely monitoring the situation” after it was forced to return a Tel Aviv-bound flight to its departure point of San Francisco after seven hours in the air. Germany’s Lufthansa canceled all but one of its weekend flights to and from Tel Aviv, while Ryanair and Wizz Air both had to turn Israel-bound flights around in midair. In total, 14% of Tel Aviv-bound flights globally had been canceled as of Saturday evening, according to flight tracker FlightAware, though the Israeli airport remains open with most flights said to be landing normally.

19:14 GMT
At least 200 Israelis have been killed since Hamas’ surprise attack Saturday morning, local media confirmed, noting the number is likely to continue growing as government forces wage war on the Palestinian militant group. Another 1,104 Israelis have been wounded, including 217 severely, the Israeli Health Ministry reported. During the same period, at least 232 Palestinians were killed and another 1,697 wounded in Gaza, according to the Palestinian territory’s health ministry.

18:39 GMT
Hamas fired another 150 rockets in the direction of Tel Aviv on Saturday night, the Palestinian group’s armed wing, Izzedine al Qassam Brigades, confirmed in a Telegram post that described the launch as a “response to the bombing of the residential tower in the center of Gaza City” by Israel Defense Forces earlier in the day. The rockets primarily struck targets in Tel Aviv, Rishon Letzion, and Bat Yam, according to Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service.

18:08 GMT
Hamas is on the “verge of a great victory and a clear conquest on the Gaza front,” the Palestinian militant group’s leader Ismail Haniyeh announced on its al-Aqsa television network on Saturday, declaring the “battle moved into the heart of the Zionist entity.” Haniyeh also warned Israel’s Arab neighbors against rapprochement with the enemy state, arguing, “this entity, which cannot protect itself in the face of resistors, cannot provide you with any protection.”

17:42 GMT
Israeli planes bombed the Khan Younis home of Hamas Gaza chief Yehya Al-Sinwar on Saturday, Reuters said, citing Hamas media. There were no reported casualties.

17:19 GMT
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon confirmed it was monitoring the situation in Israel in a post to X, noting that peacekeepers were “present along the Blue Line to maintain stability and help avoid escalation” and that its leadership was maintaining constant contact with all involved parties.

17:18 GMT
Israeli Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Israel Katz signed an order cutting off electricity to Gaza on Saturday, announcing the move in a post to X (formerly Twitter).

17:02 GMT
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has called for an “emergency government” to manage “the difficult and complex operation ahead of us,” which, he warned, could easily spiral into a “multi-front war” in the hands of the country’s current leadership. He said he offered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu his professional assistance during the conflict ahead. Netanyahu previously told his cabinet that the nation’s first priority was to “cleanse” the areas infiltrated by the enemy, then to “restore security and peace” to those areas.

16:39 GMT
The United Nations Security Council will meet on Sunday to address the escalating violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories, Reuters reported, citing diplomats. A UN spokesperson condemned Hamas and urged “all diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider conflagration,” pushing for “maximum restraint,” the protection of civilians, and obedience to international law by all involved parties.

16:21 GMT
Saudi Arabia called for an immediate stop to the violence, demanding both sides exercise restraint and that the international community take responsibility for “activat[ing] a credible peace process” with a two-state solution as the end goal. The kingdom’s statement referenced its own “repeated warnings” to Israel about the “explosion of the situation” likely to result from the occupation’s prolonged systematic repression of the Palestinians.

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