War in Israel - Shelling, 'closed' Gaza sector, important statement by Netanyahu
The Israeli forces struck the Gaza sector, while militants shelled a hospital (photo: Getty Images)
Last night, HAMAS militants launched a series of rocket attacks on Israeli territory. In response, the Israeli aviation targeted several command centers in the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that his country has entered a protracted and challenging war.
The material was prepared using sources such as the Times of Israel, Telegram KodKodGroup, the White House press office, the Twitter account of the Prime Minister of Israel, Telegram of the Israeli Armed Forces, the website of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey.
Combat operations
As a result of the military operations in the southern part of the country on October 7, Israeli forces nearly completely displaced militants from the country's territory.
It was also reported that late in the evening yesterday, Israeli forces deployed military equipment to the southern region of the country towards the Gaza Strip. Eyewitnesses observed a substantial column of Merkava tanks.
Israeli fighter jets conducted a series of airstrikes on mosques in the Gaza Strip during the night. It has been reported that HAMAS militants used religious structures for military purposes. These strikes also resulted in damage to the operational command center of HAMAS and the command post of the radical group "Islamic Jihad."
HAMAS carried out rocket attacks targeting several populated areas in the country. Specifically, one rocket struck a hospital in the city of Ashkelon in southern Israel, resulting in injuries to at least 6 individuals.
According to the Ministry of Health of Israel, as a result of the ongoing hostilities, at least 1,590 individuals have been wounded, with 19 of them in critical condition. The majority of the injured have been hospitalized in various medical facilities across the country. The department also noted that it is likely that the death toll from the conflict has exceeded 250 people, and this number is expected to rise.
Important statements
Following an extensive consultation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel has entered a protracted war, the initial phase of which is nearing completion with the elimination of most of the militants who infiltrated the country.
He announced that the government has decided to halt the supply of electricity, fuel, and goods to the Gaza Strip.
Additionally, he emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces have established a restricted zone in the vicinity of the Gaza Strip, and entry into this closed military zone is prohibited for civilians.
International support for Israel and a call for negotiations
President Joe Biden of the United States has stated that the United States will ensure that Israel receives all the necessary assistance to defend itself against terrorist threats. Additionally, in light of the attack, U.S. senators are preparing a support package for Israel.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey has offered its assistance in ending the conflict in Israel. Diplomats are willing to act as intermediaries and contribute to the cessation of hostilities.
For a comprehensive account of the details of the first day of the HAMAS attack on Israel, you can read the online article by RBC-Ukraine.
