Swords of Iron: Here is what happened on days 1 and 2

Military operations undertaken by the Palestinian people on Saturday are a natural result of decades of "systemic oppression" by the "Zionist Occupation authority," a statement by the Iraqi government's official spokesperson said.

The statement also warned of a continued escalation in the Palestinian territories, which it said could affect the stability of the region.

A tense standoff has unfolded as two armed terrorists have taken residence in a private home in the southern city of Ofakim on Saturday, wielding live grenades and holding Israeli inhabitants hostage.

SWAT and police teams swiftly encircled the premises and initiated negotiations with the assailants to secure the hostages' release.

Earlier on Saturday, these terrorists reportedly engaged in sporadic shootings across the city, targeting both civilians and police officers. Tragically, several casualties resulted before security forces could neutralize the threat.

This alarming incident is part of a broader escalation in violence.

On Saturday, Gaza-based militant groups launched a coordinated offensive, merging extensive rocket fire with ground infiltrations. Several communities bordering Gaza are now affected. Current reports indicate that at least 22 Israelis have been killed, hundreds are being treated for their injuries, and numerous individuals have been abducted by Hamas operatives and taken into the Gaza Strip.

The IDF Spokesperson urges citizens to stay indoors

The IDF Spokesperson, Brigadier General Daniel Hagari, addressed the nation on Saturday, shedding light on the unfolding situation in the country's south. "We've initiated a comprehensive mobilization of our reserve forces," he began. "Our primary aim is to bolster all affected communities with steadfast operational support. I urge citizens to stay indoors and remain vigilant; challenging hours lie ahead."

Hagari continued, "Alongside the rocket attacks, several terrorists infiltrated Israeli territory. While many have been neutralized, the public must stay cautious and responsible. Rest assured, IDF units are being dispatched to all affected areas. Our mission is two-fold: eliminate the immediate threat and protect our citizens. We are also initiating retaliatory strikes in Gaza, targeting strategic enemy positions. The IDF stands ready for a full range of scenarios, not solely those on the Gaza front."

The United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary James Cleverley posted his condemnation of Hamas in a post on X on October 7.

Cleverley tweeted that "Hamas are not fighters.' Hamas are not 'militants.' Hamas are terrorists. There is no other word to describe the brutality of firing rockets or terrorist attacks targeting civilians."

Hamas are not “fighters”.

Hamas are not “militants”.

Hamas are terrorists.

There is no other word to describe the brutality of firing rockets or terrorist attacks targeting civilians.

— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) October 7, 2023

The Education Ministry announced on Saturday that there will be no classes of any kind throughout Israel on Sunday amidst the attacks by Hamas and their infiltration of Israeli towns.

There will also be no educational or extracurricular activities, including trips and tours. 

Dozens of hostages are now being held by Hamas in Kibbutz Be'eri in Israel's south, according to media reports.

It was also reported that battles are still taking place in the area between IDF soldiers and terrorists. 
 

The White House National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson condemned the attacks by Hamas against Israel on Saturday.

"The US unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians. There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand firmly with the government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks."

"We will ensure that Israel has everything it needs" to defend itself, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told Israeli media on Saturday.

He made the comment in response to the onslaught of rockets and infiltrations that occurred throughout the day.

A tense standoff has unfolded as two armed terrorists have taken residence in a private home in the southern city of Ofakim on Saturday, wielding live grenades and holding Israeli inhabitants hostage. SWAT and police teams swiftly encircled the premises and initiated negotiations with the assailants to secure the hostages' release.

Earlier on Saturday, these terrorists reportedly engaged in sporadic shootings across the city, targeting both civilians and police officers. Tragically, several casualties resulted before security forces could neutralize the threat.

This alarming incident is part of a broader escalation in violence. On Saturday, Gaza-based militant groups launched a coordinated offensive, merging extensive rocket fire with ground infiltrations. Several communities bordering Gaza are now affected. Current reports indicate that at least 22 Israelis have been killed, hundreds are being treated for their injuries, and numerous individuals have been abducted by Hamas operatives and taken into the Gaza Strip.

The IDF Spokesperson urges citizens to stay indoors

The IDF Spokesperson, Brigadier General Daniel Hagari, addressed the nation on Saturday, shedding light on the unfolding situation in the country's south. "We've initiated a comprehensive mobilization of our reserve forces," he began. "Our primary aim is to bolster all affected communities with steadfast operational support. I urge citizens to stay indoors and remain vigilant; challenging hours lie ahead."

Hagari continued, "Alongside the rocket attacks, several terrorists infiltrated Israeli territory. While many have been neutralized, the public must stay cautious and responsible. Rest assured, IDF units are being dispatched to all affected areas. Our mission is two-fold: eliminate the immediate threat and protect our citizens. We are also initiating retaliatory strikes in Gaza, targeting strategic enemy positions. The IDF stands ready for a full range of scenarios, not solely those on the Gaza front."

A phone call between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden has been scheduled in light of the current attack on Israel, according to Israeli media.

Netanyahu is also scheduled to talk with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett enlisted in the army reserves on Saturday, hours after the IDF announced an extensive reserve recruitment due to the war that broke out that morning between Hamas and Israel.