War Erupts Across Israel and Gaza: A Roundup of Events and Reactions

Violence has surged again. In the occupied West Bank, hundreds have died in recent Israeli fire, making last year one of the deadliest on record. On Saturday, Gaza militias launched hundreds of rockets toward Israel in what was described as a broad attack called “Israel.” The operation, labeled by some as “Al Aqsa Storm,” references the Jerusalem holy site. Officials warned that the country was at war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke this morning after the assault began, declaring that Israel is at war. Alarms were audible across the country, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. At least six people were reported dead and roughly 300 injured. There were also warnings of spies operating near towns along the Gaza border and possible danger to civilians in those areas.

Netherlands expresses unequivocal condemnation of Hamas attacks and solid support for Israel. Dutch Acting Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Hamas was responsible for the unprecedented attack and that the Netherlands fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself. He noted having spoken with Prime Minister Netanyahu and reiterated the country’s stance against the violence and in favor of Israel’s security needs. [Source: Official statements and briefings]

Around 60 Palestinian militants are reported to be active across 14 regions inside Israel. Dozens of militia members, led by Hamas, are said to have carried out kidnappings and killings near the Gaza border, with reports of civilians taken hostage in some areas. Israeli forces and police, including special units, have been operating across multiple fronts, erecting roadblocks and closing off affected routes as soldiers search for lurking threats. [Source: On-the-ground reports from multiple agencies]

European leaders reacted strongly. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Israel has the right to defend itself after Hamas launched thousands of rockets and infiltrations from Gaza. She condemned the Hamas attack as an act of terrorism and affirmed support for Israel’s defensive actions under international law. Israel has subsequently declared a state of war and resumed airstrikes on Hamas facilities in Gaza in what officials describe as a necessary response. [Source: Statements from the European Commission]

Spain was urged to back Israel unconditionally by Action and Communication in the Middle East (ACOM), a pro-Israel group based in Spain. The organization called on Pedro Sánchez and the European Union to stand with Israel in the face of the attacks. The statement emphasized the goal of stopping violence and protecting Jewish communities while condemning the attacks carried out by Hamas. [Source: ACOM press release]

The Israeli army announced a ground operation around the Gaza Strip, reporting clashes with militants who infiltrated Israeli territory with the alleged aid of paragliders. Military officials indicated that forces were fighting in various parts of Gaza and that injuries were expected as the operation continued. [Source: Israeli military briefings]

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned the Hamas attack and affirmed Germany’s solidarity with Israel. She underscored Israel’s right to self-defense under international law and called for an end to the violence and rocket attacks on civilians. [Source: German foreign ministry statements]

Netanyahu later declared a state of war after the major assault, noting that more than 2,200 rockets had been fired toward Israel in a broad campaign. In his address, he described the events as an all-out war, not a limited operation, and promised that the country would prevail. He convened an emergency security council and warned that the enemy would pay a heavy price. Dozens of Israeli warplanes then struck targets in the Gaza Strip in a significant escalation. [Source: Prime Minister’s address and defense ministry briefings]

Gaza militias fired hundreds of rockets, drawing a swift response from Tel Aviv that underscored the potential for a broader clash. Israel began striking targets in Gaza, signaling the possible start of a severe new phase in the conflict. [Source: Military and security updates]

Our country remains at war and fighting continues, with the leadership emphasizing readiness and resolve. The prime minister stated that an emergency security council meeting had been convened and warned that the enemy would face consequences never seen before. Air defenses and combat aircraft have been active in multiple theaters as Israeli forces press operations against Hamas targets in the Strip. [Source: Official government briefings]

Tension Persists for Weeks

The border regions near Gaza remain the focal point of the crisis. Dozens of militants are reported to have infiltrated these areas, prompting residents in southern towns to call for increased security and swift rescues. Some Israeli communities have described conditions as dire, with people seeking shelter and urgent assistance from security forces. [Source: On-site testimonies and media reports]

Simultaneously, clashes and fatalities have increased in the West Bank, framed by ongoing violence in Palestinian territories, including disputes around the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and incidents linked to Jewish holidays. Protests and confrontations have intensified near the Gaza border, contributing to a broader climate of hostility between the two sides. [Source: Regional reporting and eyewitness accounts]

Israel’s Stance and Palestinian Resistance

In various statements, Hamas leaders warned that the fighting would continue and urged Palestinians to join the fight. They argued the actions were a response to what they described as occupation and to defend sacred sites. Israeli officials characterized the response as a necessary defense against ongoing attacks and incursions. The conflict has prompted the detention and transfer of numerous prisoners in the region, fueling further tensions and security concerns. [Source: Statements from Hamas leadership and Israeli officials]

The Israeli military has underscored the scale of the challenge, noting multiple infiltration attempts and the difficulty of securing border areas. Analysts have described the events as among the most serious security crises in recent memory, with a blockade on Gaza contributing to a tense humanitarian and political environment. [Source: Military analyses and expert commentary]