Dozens of rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israel early this morning (Oct 7), with sirens sounded across southern Israel that were also heard in the capital, Tel Aviv, the emergency services in the country reported. The attack has reportedly claimed 40 lives and left at least 500 injured in Israel.

The events of today have flared up the historical tensions that have plagued the region for many years.

Hamas attacks Israel

Palestinian militant group ‘Hamas’, an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya (Islamic resistance movement), which controls the besieged coastal enclave, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Hamas leader Mohammed al-Deif also announced the beginning of a new military operation, the "Al-Aqsa Flood," against Israel, a Chinese news agency reported.

5000 rockets fired: 500 injured, 40 killed

Palestinian militants fired more than 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, killing 40 and wounding 500 people in Israel till now (as of Oct 7, 6 p.m.), according to the local media.

Whereas, as per Palestinian news reports, 160 deaths and over 1,000 injuries have been recorded by hospitals in the Gaza Strip since this morning.

Ambassador’s tweet

Following a massive attack from the Gaza Strip against Israel, Naor Gilon, Israel's Ambassador to India, said today that the “situation is not normal” but “Israel will prevail”.

#Israel is under a combined attack from Gaza during the Jewish holiday.

Both by rockets and ground infiltration of Hamas terrorists.

The situation is not simple but Israel will prevail.

— Naor Gilon (@NaorGilon) October 7, 2023

“We are at war”

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly said in an address, “We are at war,” declaring a mass army mobilisation. “Not an ‘operation,’ not a ‘round’, but at war.”

אנחנו במלחמה. pic.twitter.com/XNM3l7fEQH

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 7, 2023

 “Grave mistake”: Israel defence minister

The Israeli army said in a statement that rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip in the last half hour, calling on the Israeli public in the south and centre of the country to remain near the protected areas and comply with the orders of the home front command.

Meanwhile, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant said that Hamas had “made a grave mistake and launched a war” against his country.

“(Israeli) troops are fighting the enemy at every location. The State of Israel will win this war,” added Gallant reportedly.

Israel retaliates

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had moved to a war footing and that dozens of fighter jets were carrying out air strikes on Hamas sites in Gaza.

The rocket barrages from the besieged coastal enclave, which is governed by Hamas, began just after today’s dawn, at the end of the ‘Jewish holiday’ of Sukkot.

As sirens sounded across Israel, the IDF announced that “terrorists” had infiltrated Israeli territory “in a number of different locations”.

In videos that made rounds on social media, a group of heavily armed Palestinian militants were seen dressed in black fatigues, driving around Sderot in a pick-up truck.

In one video, the same militants seemed to be exchanging fire with Israeli forces on the streets only 1.6 km from Gaza.

The Gaza Strip fired rockets at Israel again pic.twitter.com/BQbYkx2JMm

— The Assassin 🥷🏽🖤 (@xsn) October 7, 2023

The rocket barrages continued throughout the morning, with Israeli media reporting that more than 2,200 projectiles had so far been launched towards Israel.

Indians in Israel

A Keralite settled in Israel, who came live on TV channels, said this morning that many Malayali nurses in Israel are a worried lot.

“According to estimates, there are around 6,000 Keralaites, mostly nurses. In many places there are bunkers, and many have started to move into them and are eagerly waiting for this impasse to end,” he said.

India backs Israel

Prime minister Narendra Modi today expressed shock over the terrorist attack in Israel and said that India stands in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.

Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2023

Even the Indian Embassy in Israel, in a post on X, said, “In view of the current situation in Israel, all Indian nationals in Israel are requested to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols advised by local authorities.”

It said, “Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay close to safety shelters. For additional information, please see the Israeli home front command website or their preparedness brochure. In case of an emergency, please contact us at +97235226748. The Embassy personnel remain at your disposal for any further guidance.”

Roots: the Israel-Palestine conflict

Over the years, Israel and Palestine have been involved in several conflicts, some minor, some of catastrophic proportions, that has led to the deaths of thousands of innocents.

The long-standing dispute over territories involves Israelis, primarily Jewish, and Palestinians, mainly Arab, both claiming historical and religious ties to the same land.

The conflict's roots trace back to the late 19th century, and has led to numerous wars, peace efforts, and ongoing tensions. The issues include borders, the status of Jerusalem, Palestinian statehood, and refugee rights. Finding a mutually acceptable resolution remains a challenging task, as both sides continue to seek sovereignty and security in the region.

(With inputs from IANS)

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