The Hamas militant group is reported to have captured multiple Israeli soldiers and civilians as it infiltrated Israel following an unprecedented series of rocket attacks on the country. On Saturday morning, Hamas launched approximately 5,000 rockets into Israel, which has drawn widespread condemnation from world leaders.
In addition to Israeli captives, foreigners have also been seized by Hamas militants. According to Nepal's Ambassador to Israel, seven Nepalis have been injured in Israel, and 17 have been taken hostage by Hamas militants, as reported by the news agency ANI.
Al Jazeera has reported that the Hamas militant group released footage showing them capturing Israeli soldiers. Additionally, Hamas has circulated a video displaying its fighters capturing three individuals dressed in civilian clothing, as stated in a report by AFP. The presence of Hebrew signs in the background of the video suggests it was filmed on the Israeli side of the Erez crossing, situated between Israel and the Gaza Strip.
Several video clips depicting Israeli civilians being taken hostage by the militant group have surfaced online. However, it is important to note that the authenticity of these videos cannot be independently verified at this time, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have yet to comment on the capture of Israelis by Hamas.
Hamas spokesperson Khaled Qadomi defended the group's actions during an interview with Al Jazeera, characterizing the operation as a response to alleged atrocities endured by Palestinians over the years. Qadomi emphasized Hamas' desire for international intervention to address these alleged atrocities in Gaza and at Palestinian holy sites such as Al-Aqsa.
Qadomi contended that those captured were not hostages but rather "prisoners of war." He justified the group's actions by categorizing Israeli settlers as "occupiers and invaders" under international law.
Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has called for the immediate release of the Israeli hostages. In a statement, Borrell expressed his dismay at the situation and underscored that such actions are in violation of international law, demanding the prompt release of the captives.
The attack on Saturday represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is now "at war" with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
In response, Israel announced 'Operation Iron Swords' against Hamas militants, with the Israel Air Force launching an attack involving numerous fighter jets targeting Hamas in multiple locations within the Gaza Strip.
Following a security cabinet meeting at the Israeli military headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel's Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant stated that Hamas had made a grave mistake by initiating the attack. He emphasized that Hamas had effectively started a war and asserted Israel's determination to emerge victorious.
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