Israel PM says “We are at war” – 13 October 2023

ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told his nation to prepare for a “long and difficult war” against Hamas.

Hamas is an Islamist group that rules the Gaza part of Palestine. Early on Saturday, it began launching thousands of rockets at Israel from Gaza, a strip of Palestinian land that borders the southwest of Israel. At the same time, hundreds of armed Hamas fighters broke through a border fence in several places to launch a surprise attack. More than 900 people in Israel have died, including many who were at a music festival when the attack started. More than 100 Israelis have been taken as hostages.

In response, Mr Netanyahu said Hamas will “pay a price it has never known”. Israel began firing rockets back at important buildings on Palestine land. On Monday, Israel’s defence minister, Yoav Gallant, ordered a “complete siege” of Gaza, as Israel cut off fuel, electricity and water supplies. More than 700 people there have died since Israel began its counter-attack.

Hamas is classed as a terrorist organisation by many countries, including the UK and the US, and on Saturday leaders from both countries condemned their attack.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “We will continue to provide Israel with every support that it needs… we stand with Israel.” The Israeli flag was beamed onto his home, 10 Downing Street, over the weekend in a show of support. The US has sent military ships towards the conflict in support of Israel. President Joe Biden said: “Israel has the right to defend itself and its people, full stop.”

Since fighting began, 11 US citizens caught up in it have died, and more than ten British citizens are feared to have died or are missing.

Conflict between Israel and Palestine isn’t new. The two states have a complicated history; Israel was created on land that once belonged to Palestine, and people on both sides feel strongly about their right to be there. Israel built a huge wall around Palestinian areas, and controls what goods and people can go in and out.

Hamas doesn’t recognise Israel’s right to exist and has declared it wants to see the destruction of Israel. Saleh al-Arouri, a senior member of the group, said: “We are ready to do whatever is necessary for the dignity and freedom of our people.”

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Published Friday 13 October 2023

Picture credit: Getty