In the aftermath of a sudden and devastating Hamas assault that resulted in the loss of hundreds of Israeli lives, Israeli President Isaac Herzog pointed a finger of blame squarely at Iran. In a statement released late Sunday, President Herzog asserted that Hamas, acting under the support and guidance of their Iranian proxy commanders, had executed an unprovoked and heinous attack on the Jewish state, an act that took place on a sacred Jewish holy day.
Herzog expressed an unwavering commitment to safeguarding Israeli citizens, emphasizing that Tel Aviv would employ any necessary measures to eliminate the imminent threat.
In a call to the international community, President Herzog implored the collective nations to respond decisively, marking this confrontation as a pivotal moment. He urged for unambiguous condemnation of Hamas, its associates, and its patrons in Iran, stressing the importance of standing firmly with Israel as it engaged in a just and morally guided battle against a loathsome adversary.
The Hamas assault unfolded dramatically on a Saturday, featuring the infiltration of Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip by dozens of militants amidst a barrage of rocket fire. The attack left a devastating toll in its wake, with at least 300 Israelis losing their lives and over 1,500 sustaining injuries. Additionally, several soldiers and civilians were captured by Hamas and transported back to Gaza, further intensifying the crisis.
In response, Israel launched a series of airstrikes within the Gaza Strip, resulting in a significant loss of life and injuries among Palestinians, with over 250 casualties and more than 1,700 wounded, according to the Health Ministry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, determined to eliminate Hamas' capabilities and avenge the tragic events, pledged to employ the full might of Israel in pursuit of these objectives.
Meanwhile, the Iranian Foreign Ministry framed the Hamas attack as an act of self-defense, a stance that underscores Iran's longstanding status as a bitter adversary of Israel. This violent incident unfolded on a poignant occasion for Israel, as the nation marked the 50th anniversary of the 1973 war—a conflict that had brought Tel Aviv perilously close to a catastrophic defeat, adding a layer of historical significance to the unfolding events.