By Marielis Acevedo
07 Oct 2023, 10:34 AM EDT
Videos of airstrikes this morning in Israel by Palestinian militants of the Hamas group are circulating in press reports, including one released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The images show the explosions caused by the missiles and columns of smoke in several areas.
The Efe Noticias report indicates that members of the terrorist group in Gaza launched at least 5,000 rockets.
CNN, for its part, reported that Hamas militants entered Israel by land, sea and air, and used paragliders.
Inside Gaza, the roar of Israeli fighter planes could be heard, details the television network’s account.
At least 40 people have been killed since Hamas launched its attack on Israel, according to data from the country’s Emergency Service.
Another 779 people were injured.
Meanwhile in Gaza, the Ministry of Health reported 198 Palestinians dead and 1,610 injured.
Since Hamas began the offensive, the checkpoints towards Jerusalem from the West Bank, historically a source of contention between the parties, have been closed to Palestinians.
Hamas also captured Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border in the midst of the onslaught.
Videos published by the insurgent group show three men who are believed to be Israeli soldiers being pointed at with weapons.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country is “at war” following the surprise attacks.
The Israeli Government mobilized its forces and is responding to the attack.
The IDF specified that its troops are fighting in at least half a dozen locations. For its part, the White House National Security Council (NSC) condemned these “unprovoked” attacks against Israeli civilians.
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VIDEO: US condemns attack on Israel by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip