Night operations allowed the release of hostages in Sderot, Ofakim and Kibbutz Be’eri. However, clashes continue in other locations.
Israel is struggling to recover areas taken over by Hamas, facing a death toll of more than 350 and 1,800 wounded after an attack on its southern communities.
Intense action against terrorist cells in Israeli territory
After 24 hours of the attack coordinated by Hamas, Israeli forces focused on liberating affected communities. Civilians take shelter in their homes, fearing terrorists.
Night operations allowed the release of hostages in Sderot, Ofakim and Kibbutz Be’eri. HowBe’erilashes continue in other locations.
The Israeli Navy neutralized five terrorists in Zikim. The Israel Defense Forces showed images of the operation, highlighting the participation of the 916th Patrol Squadron.
Balance of casualties and injuries after the confrontation
The Ministry of Health reported 1,854 injuries of various degrees. The IDF mourned the loss of 26 soldiers since the start of the conflict.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari communicated the efforts to stabilize the situation in Gaza and neutralize most of the conflict sources.
Israel’s military and defensive preparations
IDF publishes the names of 26 soldiers killed in the fighting on the Gaza border pic.twitter.com/rmXdC6qp7H
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) October 8, 2023
The IDF has attacked 426 targets in Gaza, including terrorist infrastructure and buildings of high value to Hamas.
Hagari also mentioned the continued attacks on the border fence and the creation of a center for missing soldiers. Forces are alert to potential threats, including those from Lebanon and Hezbollah.
The army is also on alert in Judea, Samaria and the north. The priority is to regain complete control of the area near the Gaza Strip and neutralize remaining threats.
Escalation of tensions between Israel and Hamas
With rocket attacks from Gaza on southern communities continuing, the Israeli military has increased its response. Videos on the internet show the destruction of structures, including the Al-Watan Tower in Gaza City.
Last Saturday, armed Hamas members attacked 22 areas of southern Israel. This incursion surprised many, affecting communities just 24 kilometers from the border with Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces increased its presence in response and promised an unprecedented military reaction. Preliminary figures indicate 230 people have been killed and hundreds injured in Gaza.
Mobilization of reservists and rescue operations
Wounded Israeli soldiers from the south arrive at the Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital in Jerusalem on October 7, 2023. (Noam Revkin Fenton/Flash90)The deployment of four divisions of reservists on the border with Gaza was reported, complementing the 35 battalions already present. Following these events, Hebrew media revealed the rescue of 48 civilians in Kibbutz Be’eri.
AddiBe’erily, reports indicate that in Ofakim, Israeli forces freed a couple in their 60s, who were held in their home for 16 hours. During this operation, several terrorists were killed, and three members of the Yamam particular unit were injured.
Eyal Korem, a relative of those rescued, shared the panic experienced, grateful that both were in good health after their release.
Operations in Sderot and official statements
In a recent event, police forces regained control of a police station in Sderot after clashes with Gaza terrorists. At least 10 of these attackers lost their lives.
Commander Amir Cohen of the Border Police highlighted the courage of the Israeli forces in this situation. Cohen urged residents to stay home and seek help, ensuring police and military presence to maintain security.
The fatal toll of these events continues to grow, and 350 have already been reported murdered, including civilians in their homes and at public events, being targets of terrorist attacks.
Devastating assault on Kibbutz Re’im
According to Re’imo reports from Channel 12, the celebration at Kibbutz Re’im was interrupted, leaving dozens dead and causing panic among attendees. Disorder and confusion prevailed, with testimonies detailing how bullets wreaked havoc on the crowd.
After the attack, many sought refuge in nearby areas, such as forests and fields, waiting to be rescued by security personnel. The bodies of the victims were being transferred for identification.
At the same time, social networks were flooded with Palestinian photographs and videos revealing horror scenes from various cities. The IDF confirmed the kidnapping of soldiers and civilians, although it did not detail figures.
Disappearances and identification efforts
Relatives of unaccounted-for people went to a specialized center near the airport, managed by the police and the Home Front Command. Relatives were asked to provide personal items of the missing to facilitate identification through DNA samples.
Authorities urged families to contact the center and provide information and genetic samples of the missing. Those in hard-to-reach areas were told to get line 105 and report to a police station when it was safe.
One of those affected, the father of a missing young woman, told Ynet: “There is nothing else to do; wait for a miracle from God.”
National action and commotion
Military reservists arrive near the border with Lebanon, northern Israel, on October 7, 2023 (Ayal Margolin/Flash90)Israel was plunged into a state of shock and mourning. The circumstances of the attack generated strong criticism and demands for answers about the failures in intelligence and tactics that allowed such a catastrophe, with terrorists attacking civilian populations.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, declared that Israel was in a state of war. During a late-night announcement to the nation, he vowed to use “the full power” of the ID” against Hamas and urged Gaza residents to evacuate immediately.
In his words, he described the tragic events as something “never seen “before in Israel” and pledged” to take measures so that it is not repeated. He emphasized: “ Hamas wan” to kill us all… he is an enemy who has no scruples, who attacks our civilians, children and the elderly.”
