Thank You for Your Engagement
We appreciate your participation and following our updates on the ongoing conflict between Palestinian fighters and the Israeli military this Saturday.
Here’s a summary of today’s events: 8 Oct 2023
- Casualties: Israeli air attacks on the Gaza Strip have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 232 Palestinian lives, as reported by medical sources. Simultaneously, at least 250 Israelis have lost their lives in the conflict.
- Hamas’s Offensive: Hamas’s military wing has claimed the capture of “several times greater” than dozens of Israelis.
- Hamas’s Response: Hamas, governing Gaza, declared its offensive as a response to the desecration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and escalated settler violence.
- Israeli Warning: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has urged residents of the besieged enclave to evacuate, warning that Israeli forces will obliterate all Hamas hideouts.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.
Palestinian Fighters Capture Israelis in Large-Scale Attack
In a significant attack, Palestinian fighters have reported the capture of Israelis after crossing into Israel from the Gaza Strip. This operation, orchestrated by Hamas, the group governing the besieged enclave, is described as a surprise response to the desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the escalation of settler violence.
Israel Declares State of “War” Following Hamas Military Operation
Israel has officially declared a state of “war” after Hamas launched a large-scale military operation against Israel. Hamas stated that this operation was in response to the desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence.
The group in control of the besieged Gaza Strip reported firing thousands of rockets and sending fighters into Israel as part of this operation.
Update IST 01:05- 08-Oct, 2023- “Netanyahu Pledges Israel’s Determination to Confront Hamas Everywhere They Hide”
In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu made a resolute declaration, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to defeating Hamas. He acknowledged that the ongoing conflict would require time to resolve.
Netanyahu stated firmly that Israel was determined to locate and confront Hamas wherever they sought refuge, issuing a stern warning to the inhabitants of Gaza, urging them to evacuate areas associated with Hamas.
Regarding the Israeli captives held in Gaza, Netanyahu held Hamas accountable for their safety, affirming that Israel would hold anyone responsible for harming them to account.
IST-21:45- “Day of Escalation: Hamas Launches Large-Scale Operation, Israel Responds with Air Attacks, and Hostilities Intensify in Gaza-Israel Conflict”
- Hamas Launches Large-Scale Operation: Hamas initiated a significant military operation in Southern Israel earlier today.
- Israeli Air Attacks on Gaza: In response, Israel launched air attacks on the besieged Gaza Strip.
- Casualty Figures: Health authorities report that at least 198 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza due to Israeli strikes, while Israeli authorities claim at least 70 Israelis have been killed in the attacks by Hamas.
- Israeli Captives: Israel has stated that Israeli soldiers and civilians have been taken captive. Prime Minister Netanyahu declared, “We are at war, and we will win.”
- Ongoing Fighting: Israel’s military has confirmed that fighting is ongoing at 22 locations near the Gaza-Israel border.
- High-Rise Strike in Gaza: An Israeli airstrike on a high-rise building in densely populated Gaza City was captured live during an Al Jazeera English broadcast.
- Unprecedented Hamas Attacks: Analysts note that the nature of the Hamas attacks on Israel is unlike anything seen in recent years and could potentially reshape the longstanding conflict.
IST- 21:36- “UN Security Council to Convene Sunday Amidst Escalating Israel-Gaza Conflict: Secretary-General Urges Restraint and Protection of Civilians”
IST- 21:34 -“33 Injured in West Bank, Including East Jerusalem, Amid Escalating Tensions: Palestinian Red Crescent”
By 6 PM local time, the Palestinian Red Crescent has reported that 33 injured individuals from the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, were transported to hospitals. According to a spokesperson for the PRC, among the injured, 14 sustained head injuries from live ammunition in Al-Bireh (near Ramallah), six were struck by rubber bullets, eight were hospitalized for teargas inhalation, three were injured by shrapnel, and two were physically assaulted by Israeli soldiers.
IST- 20:06 – ‘Tough Night’ Ahead Predicted by Gaza Resident
Rafah, Gaza: Enas Keshta, a resident of southern Gaza in Rafah, expressed concerns about the difficult night that Palestinians are bracing for as Israeli attacks persist in the blockaded enclave.
“The situation here in Gaza is extremely dire. I can affirm that we are not prepared, and we are in for a challenging night,” Keshta stated in an interview with the media. “Nowhere feels safe.”
Keshta characterized the ongoing military operation against Israel as a manifestation of Palestinian frustrations turning into action. “Palestinians have grown weary of enduring oppression and attacks for over 75 years. They have reached their limit,” she emphasized.
IST-20:00 : Former Israeli Justice Minister Raises Concerns Over Possible Intelligence Failure; Israeli Media Reports 100 Israeli Fatalities
Amid the ongoing conflict, former Israeli Justice Minister expresses concerns about a potential failure in Israeli intelligence, while Israeli media outlets report that the death toll among Israelis has reached 100.
IST- 19:35- Hamas Claims Possession of Sufficient Israeli Captives to Secure Release of Palestinian Detainees
Saleh al-Arouri, the deputy chief of Hamas, asserts that the group has amassed a substantial number of Israeli captives, which could potentially be used as leverage to secure the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Al-Arouri stated, “We have successfully eliminated and captured numerous Israeli soldiers, and the conflict is ongoing. Regarding our imprisoned compatriots, I want to assure you that your freedom is imminent. The assets we hold will pave the way for your liberation. With the ongoing hostilities, the number of detainees in our possession will continue to rise.”
IST- 19:30 – Medical Teams Hindered from Reaching Areas Struck by Israeli Attacks
In the midst of the ongoing conflict, medical teams face challenges in accessing areas that have been targeted by Israeli attacks.
IST- 19:23- Gaza Death Toll Climbs to 198 as Israel’s Attacks Continue
Health officials report a grim escalation in the number of Palestinians killed in Gaza, with the toll now standing at 198. Additionally, over 1,600 individuals have been wounded in the ongoing violence.
IST- 19:13- Hamas Prepared for the ‘Worst Case Scenario,’ Warns Deputy Chief Saleh al-Arouri
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Hamas deputy chief Saleh al-Arouri has emphasized the group’s readiness for what he described as “the worst case scenario.”
Al-Arouri stated, “All scenarios are now possible, and we are prepared for a potential Israeli land invasion.” Additionally, he alleged that Israel had been strategizing to launch an attack on both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
IST- 19:08- Hamas Claims Capture of Israeli Captives, Including Senior Officers, States Deputy Chief Saleh al-Arouri
Hamas deputy chief Saleh al-Arouri has informed Al Jazeera that the group has successfully captured a significant number of Israelis, which reportedly includes high-ranking officers.
IST- 19:05- Lufthansa Reduces Israel Flights Amidst Security Concerns, Says Spokesperson
German airline Lufthansa has made the decision to reduce its flights to Israel in response to recent Hamas attacks, as confirmed by a company spokesperson speaking to the AFP news agency.
Due to the ongoing security situation in Tel Aviv, Lufthansa has opted to maintain only one flight to Frankfurt, the spokesperson explained. All other scheduled Lufthansa flights to and from Tel Aviv for this Saturday have been canceled as a precautionary measure.
IST- 18:46- Gaza: Over 160 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Air Attacks Following Hamas Offensive
Medical sources in Gaza have confirmed that Israeli air attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 160 Palestinians. These airstrikes were launched in response to a recent offensive by Hamas against Israel, which claimed the lives of at least 40 people. The group in control of the besieged enclave stated that its surprise, large-scale operation was a reaction to the desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the escalation of settler violence.
IST- 18:15- Former Palestinian Authority Spokesperson Highlights Surprise Over Hamas Attack
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Nour Odeh, the former spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority, expressed that no one had received advance warning regarding the unfolding Hamas military operation.
“Those who used to discuss such raids in the past were often dismissed as fans of science fiction. It’s crucial to remember that Israel possesses a significant military advantage over Palestine, making today’s events highly unexpected,” she stated.
However, Odeh pointed out that analysts had been cautioning for months about the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories and Gaza. Those with insight into the region’s dynamics recognized that the apparent calm was deceptive and anticipated a significant event, she added.
IST- 17:52 – Israeli Government Updates Casualty Figures
According to Al Jazeera’s Sara Khairat, reporting from occupied Jerusalem, the Israeli government has revised the number of Israeli citizens who lost their lives in Hamas attacks to 40.
The earlier figure, as reported by emergency services, stood at 22.
“More than 750 Israelis have sustained injuries,” our correspondent mentioned, while noting that these numbers are expected to rise further.
IST-16:45- UN Middle East Peace Process Coordinator Expresses Concerns
Tom Wennesland, the UN coordinator for the Middle East peace process, shared his concerns with Al Jazeera, emphasizing the significant scale of the confrontation between Israel and Gaza, indicating challenging times ahead.
He stated, “I am horrified and disgusted by the attacks this morning. There are a number of people killed and kidnapped after thousands of rockets were launched into Israel… I am also very concerned about the situation in Gaza.”
When asked about the absence of mention about the Palestinians in Gaza in his official statement and whether he had sympathy for them, Wennesland responded, “I am a bit surprised by the question.” He underlined that as the UN, they consistently report on the situation and plight of people in Gaza and other occupied territories.
Wennesland further highlighted that civilians on both sides would bear the brunt of further attacks. He also mentioned that the UN has already initiated discussions with all concerned parties about halting escalations.
IST- 16:25 – Israeli Army Struggles to Regain Control in Infiltrated Areas: Haaretz Reports
According to Haaretz newspaper, the Israeli army has not yet regained control of the areas where Hamas fighters infiltrated in southern Israel.
The report states that residents are still taking shelter, and there are no Israeli security forces or medical staff present at the sites.
Please stay tuned for additional updates.
IST- 16:20- Expert Views Today’s Events as “Game-Changing” for the Region
Mahjoub Zweiri, a scholar from Qatar University, shared insights with Al Jazeera, stating that recent developments in the last few hours are “game-changing for the politics of the region.”
He elaborated, “For the first time, the resistant movement decided to react against the occupiers and the military… I think the Israeli side is facing a real challenge in shaping its image now. Additionally, the narrative created by Hamas, along with regional and international players, is intriguing.”
Zweiri further noted that for Hamas, while the attack serves as a response to the hardships endured by people in Gaza, it also represents an operation aimed at conveying a message to Israel and those who believe in the possibility of forging peace with the Arab world. He emphasized the importance of addressing internal issues as well.
IST- 16:17- Al Jazeera Reports High Casualty Numbers at Gaza Hospitals
Witnesses have confirmed a significant presence of both deceased and injured individuals at hospitals in Gaza, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Please stay tuned for additional updates.
IST- 16:14- Israel’s UN Ambassador Reports Hamas Attack on Israeli Civilians
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations has reported that fighters who infiltrated Israel from multiple points have “caused the deaths of numerous Israeli civilians.”
In a statement on X, he emphasized, “Israel is committed to taking all necessary measures to safeguard its citizens, and we will ensure that terrorist organizations face the consequences in full. Terrorism will never prevail.”
IST- 16:06- Video Depicts Israeli Units in Sderot
Israeli sources have shared a video clip showcasing Israeli army forces engaging in clashes with Palestinian resistance fighters who infiltrated the city of Sderot near Gaza in the morning.
The authenticity of the video has been verified by Al Jazeera’s Sanad unit. The footage depicts a group of occupation soldiers positioned behind a military jeep, with one of them firing a portable missile toward an unspecified target.
IST-16:01 : Egypt and Turkey Call for Restraint
Egypt has issued a warning of “grave consequences” in response to escalating tensions, as conveyed by a statement from the foreign ministry reported by the state news agency. The statement emphasized the need for “exercising maximum restraint and avoiding exposing civilians to further danger.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also joined the call for restraint. He urged all parties “to act with restraint and to refrain from impulsive actions that could escalate tensions.” In a separate address to his ruling party congress in Ankara, Erdogan further emphasized the importance of not harming the “historical and religious status” of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, discouraging any such attempts.
IST-15:58 – Iranian Supreme Leader’s Adviser Congratulates Palestinian Fighters
According to the semi-official ISNA news site, Rahim Safavi, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has extended congratulations to Palestinian fighters for launching the largest attack on Israel in years.
“We congratulate the Palestinian fighters,” Safavi stated. “We will continue to support the Palestinian fighters until the liberation of Palestine and Jerusalem.”
IST-15:51 : Israeli Casualties Update
As of now, emergency health services quoted by local media have reported at least 22 Israelis killed.
Additionally, the Israeli health ministry has confirmed that 545 people have been hospitalized.
IST 15:45 : Gaza Ministry of Health Urges Blood Donations
Amid the ongoing bombardment of the Gaza Strip by Israel and reports of a high number of casualties, the Ministry of Health in Gaza has issued a plea for blood donations at hospitals within the besieged enclave.
Al Jazeera Correspondent Reports on Israeli Reaction to Attack
Al Jazeera’s Rob Reynolds, reporting from Ashkelon in southern Israel, describes the tremendous shock among Israelis following the unprecedented attack by Hamas.
“I spoke by text with an acquaintance in Tel Aviv. She says she was hurrying to get into a bomb shelter. The fact that several villages, including some towns, were attacked and captured is something that has never happened before,” Reynolds said.
“This took a lot of planning and strategizing from Hamas and many in the brigade,” he noted, highlighting that there was no build-up to this attack either.
“It is also one year to the day of the October war of 1973 when Israel was taken by surprise by Egypt and Syria. It appears maybe there is some symbolism there,” he added.
Israeli Army Shares Footage of Airstrikes
In their recently launched operation against Hamas fighters, the Israeli army has released a video showcasing the airstrikes.
Hamas Announces Capture of Israeli Soldiers
During their operation “Al-Aqsa Flood,” Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades have announced the capture of a number of Israeli soldiers.
Israeli Casualties in Hamas Attacks
According to medics and Israeli emergency services quoted by local media, at least 22 people in Israel have been killed since the start of the attack by Hamas.
In a dangerous escalation of the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict, Gaza is once again under intense attack as Israeli airstrikes respond to a recent offensive launched by Hamas.
Hamas Announces Offensive
The situation escalated when Hamas, the group in control of the besieged Gaza Strip, declared the initiation of an offensive operation. The group claimed responsibility for launching thousands of rockets into Israel, leading to numerous casualties.
Israeli Airstrikes Target Gaza
In response to the Hamas offensive, Israeli forces launched a series of airstrikes, targeting various locations within the Gaza Strip. The airstrikes have inflicted significant damage and have raised concerns about civilian casualties.
Casualties and Ongoing Violence
As the situation unfolds, reports of casualties are emerging:
- Multiple Deaths: Tragically, multiple fatalities have been reported on both sides as a result of the ongoing violence.
- Numerous Injuries: Hospitals in the region are overwhelmed as they tend to a substantial number of wounded individuals.
The escalation of hostilities in this deeply rooted conflict is deeply concerning and has the potential to further destabilize the region.
International diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the situation and bring about a peaceful resolution. We will continue to provide updates on this developing crisis.
