As the ruling Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented, multi-front attack on Israel at daybreak Saturday, firing thousands of rockets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while expressing shock over the assault, said that India stands in solidarity with Tel Aviv.
“Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour,” the Prime Minister said via a social media post on X.
Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2023
The Indian embassy in Israel has also asked all citizens to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary movements. “In view of the current situation in Israel, all Indian nationals in Israel are requested to remain vigilant, and observe sfety protocols as advised by local authorities. Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement and stay close to safety shelters,” the embassy had said in a statement.
Six hours after the invasion began, Hamas militants were still fighting gunbattles inside several Israeli communities in a surprising show of strength that shook the country.
Social media was replete with videos of Hamas fighters parading what appeared to be stolen Israeli military vehicles through the streets and at least one dead Israeli soldier within Gaza being dragged and trampled by an angry crowd of Palestinians shouting “God is Great.” The military declined to give details about casualties or kidnappings as it continued to battle the infiltrators.
“We are at war,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address, declaring a mass mobilization of the country’s army reserves. “Not an ‘operation,’ not a ‘round,’ but at war.” “The enemy will pay an unprecedented price,” he added, promising that Israel would “return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known.”
The early morning attack has left at least 22 people dead and multiple wounded. Israel, too, have retaliated with massive strikes on Gazan cities, killing at least one Palestinian, according to local reports.
