Netanyahu Warns of "Long and Difficult War" Following Sudden Hamas Attack on Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the country is embarking on a "long and difficult war" following a sudden attack by Palestinian militants from the blockaded Gaza Strip, which has resulted in hundreds of casualties, the abduction of dozens of Israeli hostages, and concerns about regional escalation, according to The Guardian.

According to some reports, approximately 100 Israeli citizens, including women and children, may have been abducted.

While the Israel Defense Forces claim to have regained control of more than 20 locations targeted by the militant Islamist group, fighting reportedly continues in Kfar Aza, where 10 Hamas militants are said to have taken refuge.

As the United Nations Security Council prepared for an emergency meeting later on Sunday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for "maximum restraint." Meanwhile, the Iran-backed Hezbollah armed group claimed to have launched rockets and artillery into northern Israel "in solidarity" with the Palestinian people.

In response, Israeli forces carried out artillery strikes into Lebanon and launched drone attacks on a Hezbollah post near the border.

As Israel prepared for a significant ground invasion of Gaza, the Israeli cabinet announced the cutting off of electricity, fuel, and goods entering Gaza.

During the night, Israel struck 426 targets in the Gaza Strip, as reported by the IDF, using massive explosions to destroy residential buildings. This included a 14-story tower housing dozens of apartments and Hamas offices in Gaza City. Israeli forces issued a warning before the strike, and there were no casualties during the attack.

In a televised address on Saturday evening, Netanyahu, who had earlier declared that Israel was in a state of war, stated that the military would use all its might to destroy Hamas capabilities and "avenge this black day." He warned, "This war will take time. It will be difficult." He added, "All the places where Hamas hides, from which it operates, we will turn them into ruins."

Several airlines canceled flights to Israel, and the Federal Aviation Administration cautioned U.S. pilots to exercise caution in Israeli airspace.

U.S. President Joe Biden, from the White House, stated that he had spoken with Netanyahu to convey that the United States "stands with the people of Israel in the face of these terrorist attacks." He emphasized, "Israel has the right to defend itself and its people, period."

An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council has been convened for Sunday afternoon.

As previously reported by The Gaze, on Saturday, October 7, hundreds of Hamas militants broke out of Gaza and spread to 22 Israeli cities, firing at civilians amidst a barrage of rockets.

The Hamas incursion occurred on Simchat Torah, typically a joyous day when Jews conclude their annual cycle of Torah readings.