Israeli television channel i24 has reported ongoing clashes between the Israeli army and the Palestinian movement Hamas in 22 locations across the country. This information was published by Israeli media, citing a representative of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
It is noted that Hamas has taken hostages in two locations, Ofakim and Bari. It is emphasized that IDF forces are operating in all southern regions of Israel. On October 7th, Hamas launched several thousand rockets into Israeli territory, declaring the start of the “Flood of Al-Aqsa” operation. Against this backdrop, Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, declared a state of emergency in the country.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the country is in a state of war. The IDF operation against Hamas has been named “Iron Swords”. In response to the attacks, the Israeli Air Force carried out airstrikes. Earlier, the Israeli police predicted the duration of the escalation of the conflict.