A salvo of rockets is fired by Palestinian militants from Gaza City toward Israel on October 7, 2023. Photo: EYAD BABA / AFP / Getty Images
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is "at war" after the Palestinian miltant group Hamas staged a massive attack and took hostages in heavy fighting early today. In a televised address, Netanyahu said he was mobilizing forces for a major assault in Gaza after what he described as "a murderous surprise attack" against Israel and its people. The Israeli military said an unknown number of soldiers and civilians were taken hostage. The surprise October 7th attack comes 50 years after the outbreak of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.
President Biden is condemning the assault against Israel by Hamas militants. Israel's national rescue service said at least 70 people were killed and hundreds wounded after thousands of rockets were fired into southern Israel at daybreak. In a White House statement, President Biden called it a horrific attack, adding that the U.S. stands ready to offer whatever support Israel needs. American, United and Delta Airlines have cancelled weekend flights to Tel Aviv from major U.S. cities because of the conflict.