Extent of Hamas' excursion into southern Israel, fighting continues in 22 areas

The Israeli military said Saturday that fighting is continuing in 22 locations in southern Israel 12 hours after Hamas militants carried out a surprise infiltration into the area.

In a statement, the army’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said “There is no community in southern Israel where we do not have forces.” He said Israel has regained control in some communities but the army is still conducting scans to make sure they are safe.

Hamas managed to raid Israeli territory all along the Gaza border during Saturday’s offensive that left hundreds dead on both sides. While fighting continues, many Hamas militants continue to capture territory in southern Israel.

Estimated Palestinian infiltration into southern Israel. pic.twitter.com/YYksGBVNYi

— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 7, 2023

According to Israeli media, fighting between the Israeli security forces and Hamas militants continued at at least seven places along the Gaza border, with the latter having taken full control at three of these.

Around 100 people were killed in Israel, according to Channel 12, in the Hamas offensive, which began Saturday morning. First, the Palestinian militant group which operates out of Gaza, launched a heavy aerial attack on Israel with over 5000 missiles, and then it launched an incursion into southern Israel. Visuals claiming to show Hamas militants trying to infiltrate Israel via sea also went viral.

While some reports suggest that the aerial attack in the wee hours of the morning was a cover for the infiltration, others suggested that both took place simultaneously. According to a Reuters report, Palestinian militants crossed into Israel as early as 7:40 am. Hamas militants attacked at least three Israeli military installations: the Erez border crossing, the Zikim base and the Gaza division headquarters at Reim.

Videos posted by Hamas showed militants overrunning a military facility. It also posted videos showing captured Israeli soldiers parading through the streets of Gaza.

Israel in response declared a state of war with Hamas. The Israeli Defence Forces launched operation ‘Swords of Iron’, with the Israeli Air Force bombing Hamas targets in Gaza. Around 200 people died in Gaza after Israeli strikes, reported Reuters.