Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned the country a "long and difficult war" is ahead as retaliation strikes against Hamas begin.
The terrorist group launched thousands of rockets at Israeli towns and cities at dawn yesterday (Saturday, October 7). At least 250 people were killed and another 3,200 were injured in the surprise attack.
Addressing the nation this morning, Netanyahu announced the "offensive phase" of Israel's Defence Forces' (IDF) response had started. "We are embarking on a long and difficult war that was forced on us by a murderous Hamas attack," he said.
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In another statement issued last night, the PM vowed to turn Hamas' hideouts to "rubble" and urged innocent Palestinian residents to evacuate. "I tell Hamas, you are responsible for the wellbeing of captives, Israel will settle the score with anyone who harms them," he said.
"What happened today has never been seen in Israel, we will take mighty vengeance for this black day.
"All the places that Hamas hides in, operates from, we will turn them into rubble," he added. "Get out of there now."
Yesterday's attack saw Hamas gunmen storm Israeli land via Gaza after they bulldozed a section of barbed wire border fence as rockets struck civilian homes and damaged roads. Hamas claimed to have taken both civilians and IDF fighters hostage and even claimed some of them had been killed.
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Israel attack will lead to 'full-scale war' as West's response 'crucial' says expert
The group's military chief, Mohammed Deif, said: "This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth." Deif claimed some 5,000 rockets were launched in the initial attack, while other estimates have put the figure closer to 2,200.
Deif added Hamas' goal was to "set the earth on fire under the feet of the occupiers" after it launched the attack โ which fell on the Jewish high holiday of Simchat Torah. In response, Israel promptly declared a state of war.
Hamas has been designated a terrorist group by the UK. Australia, Israel, Canada, the EU and the US are just some of the other countries to recognise the organisation as terrorists.
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