The Israeli Security Cabinet formally declared war against Hamas after the Islamic militant group launched a surprise attack out of the Gaza area that included reportedly firing thousands of rockets into Israel, in the bloodiest day in decades.
The move—the first such declaration since the 1973 Yom Kippur War, according to a statement from the government—was confirmed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Oct. 8, according to a statement posted on social media.
“Last night, the Security Cabinet approved the war situation and, to this end, the taking of significant military steps, as per Article 40 of Basic Law: The Government,” the statement reads.
Reports have indicated that at least 600 Israelis were killed, and officials have said that an undetermined number of civilians have been abducted.
Israel has responded with air strikes hit housing blocks, tunnels, a mosque, and homes of Hamas officials in Gaza, killing more than 300 people, as Mr. Netanyahu vowed “mighty vengeance for this wicked day.”
“What happened today is unprecedented in Israel—and I will see to it that it does not happen again. The entire government is behind this decision. The IDF will immediately use all its strength to destroy Hamas’s capabilities. We will destroy them, and we will forcefully avenge this dark day that they have forced on the State of Israel and its citizens.”
In southern Israel, Israeli security forces were battling with Hamas gunmen 24 hours after a multi-pronged assault of rocket barrages and gunmen who attacked army bases and towns.
“My two little girls, they’re only babies. They’re not even 5 years old and 3 years old,” said Yoni Asher, who had seen video footage of gunmen seizing his wife and two small daughters, with her phone location now appearing in Gaza.
Regarding the missing citizens, “these are the faces of just a few of the Israelis kidnapped and held by Hamas in Gaza,” Aviva Klompas, a former speechwriter for the Israeli mission to the United Nations, said in an Oct. 8 statement.
“They took mothers with babies in their arms. It is an evil savagery that has no words. Hamas is believed to be holding over 100 Israelis ... children, teens, entire families, and even the elderly,“ she said. ”Every human rights organization, every leader in a position of authority, every government that stands for freedom, every person of [conscience] must demand Hamas release our civilians.”
An Egyptian official told the Associated Press over the weekend that “it’s clear that they have a big number ... several dozens” of Israeli hostages. The official noted that Palestinian leaders said they don’t have a “full picture” of the number of people who are being held captive, AP reported.
The deputy chief of the Hamas political bureau, Saleh al-Arouri, told Qatar-backed Al-Jazeera that the terror group plans for a protracted fight.
“We are prepared for all options, including all-out war,” Mr. al-Arour told the outlet. “We are ready to do whatever is necessary for the dignity and freedom of our people.”
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Oct. 8 that more aid could be granted to Israel soon.
“We’re looking at specific additional requests that the Israelis have made. I think you’re likely to hear more about that later today,” Mr. Blinken told CNN, after the White House condemned the attacks by Hamas.
He noted that U.S. President Joe Biden’s direction is “to make sure that we’re providing Israel everything it needs in this moment to deal with the attacks from Hamas.”
