Hamas Telegram channels claimed at least 30 Israelis were captured and taken to the Gaza Strip following its early morning offensive in the Gaza area, which included dozens of fighters entering border towns and massive salvos falling on Israeli cities as far north as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Video: Rockets falling in Israel/ Reuters
The claims on captive Israelis could not be verified although at least two cases of hostage taking have been reported Israel in towns close to the Gaza Strip. Some 80 Israelis have been evacuated to the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba following the raids, which have included multiple towns. Footage showed Hamas fighters freely roaming the streets, with residents reportedly calling local news channels pleading for IDF troops to intervene.
https://x.com/IDF/status/1710562933770469547?s=20
The IDF confirmed that dozens of terrorists entered Israeli territory Saturday under the cover of heavy rocket fire from the center to the south. Residents of the Gaza border communities were required to stay in their homes. Terrorists infiltrated several communities in the Gaza envelope. In Sderot, terrorists entered the city within a tunnel. Palestinian reports indicate the abduction of an IDF soldier into the Gaza Strip.
Footage of terrorists inside Gaza with IDF jeeps is currently circulating on social media. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared a state of emergency in the country, extending to the Gush Dan area, and has announced that Israel is "preparing for prolonged combat," including a wide-scale call-up of reserves for necessary roles.
