VFI News Hamas’ Unprecedented Attacks Lead to War; More than 800 Murdered, 100+ Captives, 2600+ Injured in Israel

Dear readers, we would like to offer our heartfelt condolences and prayers to everyone who is afflicted by the current events. May the Lord our God cast a shield of protection over Israel, stop its enemies, and bring them to justice for their ongoing heinous and barbaric crimes. We pray for each and every Israeli citizen and we hope that their security will be achieved.

Since Saturday morning, October 7, hundreds of terrorists infiltrated multiple Israeli communities, overtaking Israeli towns on the Gaza border, murdering Jews, and taking others back to Gaza as captives.

In the shocking assault, Hamas gunmen rolled into as many as 22 locations in southern Israel on Saturday morning, including towns and smaller communities as far as 15 miles (24 kilometers) from the Gaza border. At least 900 were killed, dozens were kidnapped, and over 2600 were injured in the attacks.

Parallel to the terrorist attacks, multiple civilians reported hearing loud explosions in their immediate vicinity; as of Monday, over 4,000 rockets have been fired toward Israeli civilians.

Israel formally declared a state of war on Sunday as the death toll rose from the unprecedented Hamas attacks. In response to the attacks, the IDF launched Operation Swords of Iron and has since been striking terror targets in the Gaza Strip.

The Israel Defense Forces’ top spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said on Sunday, "Israel will respond with determination and force to their unprovoked war crimes."

"Our Air Force is attacking hundreds of Hamas and Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza. We follow international law while exercising our right and responsibility to protect our civilians," Hagari continued. He added that the military killed more than 400 Palestinian terrorists in southern Israel and the Gaza Strip and captured dozens more, as of Sunday, while the Hamas-run health ministry in the Gaza Strip said 493 Palestinians have been killed so far.

Hamas senior official Moussa Abu Marzouk boasted that the terror group is holding some 130 Israeli hostages, including high-ranking army officials, according to a report in Palestinian media. (INN / VFI News)

“God, we are grieved and saddened beyond measure by the vile terrorist attacks that took place during the weekend and started a war in Israel. We offer our sincerest condolences to the innumerable families that are stricken with grief and we pray for the safety of every Israeli. We pray that Israel will be capable of thwarting any additional attacks and retrieving all the Israeli citizens who are currently held captive. We would also like to pray for the thousands of injured innocent civilians and ask for their full recovery in the coming days.”

The articles included in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Vision for Israel. We try to provide accurate reporting on news pertinent to Israel, the Middle East, the diaspora, and Jewish issues around the world—and we hope that you find it both informative and useful for intercessory prayer.

IDF Spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari on Sunday, October 8, addressed the international media regarding the Hamas attack that has left over 900 Israelis dead. "This weekend, Hamas started a war against Israel with the worst massacre of innocent civilians in Israel’s history. Hamas was more barbaric and more brutal than ISIS," he opened.

Hagari insisted: "Hamas behaves like ISIS — I repeat — Hamas behaves like ISIS. It’s the same strategy: to maximize civilian casualties in Gaza and Israel and make you all forget the massacre of hundreds of Israelis that started this war in the first place. We will not forget."

He added: " Hamas terrorists target Israeli civilians; Israel will target Hamas terrorists wherever they will be in Gaza... Israeli intelligence indicates that Hamas is hiding among Gazan civilians inside Gazan homes and schools, hospitals, and mosques."

Meanwhile, jubilant Hamas terrorists uploaded to social media brutal video clips of their work: bodies of civilians lying dead in pools of blood at city bus stops, elderly people hauled away on motorbikes, and women and children hustled into jeeps and trucks as fighters battered and spat and screamed "Allahu Akbar" at their bewildered captives.

The terrifying videos, which also included groups of young Israeli and foreign partygoers tied up and taken into Gaza, were eerily reminiscent of images shared by the extremist Islamist group ISIS, which tried to establish an Islamic caliphate in northern Syria and Iraq several years ago.

Seth Frantzman, author of "After ISIS: America, Iran and the Struggle for the Middle East," told American media on Sunday, "The behavior of Hamas in this attack has many parallels with what we saw from ISIS in Iraq and their attack on Sinjar, where they purposely targeted women and children for kidnapping and then for sexual assault and slavery." (INN / VFI News)

“God, we pray for all Israelis who are facing Hamas’ viciousness, as well as for the families who currently mourn their dead or missing family members. We ask that You comfort them, that You restore the injured Israelis’ health, and that You help our defense forces find and free all the captives. We pray that they will return to us as soon as possible.”

Hamas has confirmed that it received support for its recent attacks on Israel from the Islamic Republic of Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. A spokesperson for the terror group told British media that it received support from Iran and others, although he declined to say who else provided support.

Iran has given billions of dollars to Hamas and other Palestinian terror groups over the last few decades to support attacks against Israel, providing weapons, funding, and training. After the current attacks, people in Iran flocked to the streets to celebrate, shooting off fireworks, waving flags, and cheering, according to images posted online.

Furthermore, a report in a renowned American newspaper claims that Iran helped Hamas plan its attack on Israel during a meeting in Beirut last week, and has been working on it for weeks. The report cites senior members of Hamas and Hezbollah and says plans were ongoing since August and included several meetings in Beirut, which included members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp.

After the attacks, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei posted a video on social media, and above it, he wrote: “God willing, the cancer of the usurper Zionist regime will be eradicated at the hands of the Palestinian people and the Resistance forces throughout the region.” In the video, crowds are seen in celebrations held near the border.

In response, entrepreneur and billionaire Elon Musk, owner of the social network X (formerly Twitter), on Sunday, October 8, did not remain indifferent, blocked the Tweet, and responded: "Khamenei’s official position is clear, that the eradication of Israel is the actual goal - not just support for the Palestinians." (DW / VFI News)

“When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.” - Proverbs 10:25

Five people were wounded on Monday, two of them seriously, as heavy barrages of rockets were fired by terrorists in the Gaza Strip at towns in southern and central Israel, including one that exploded near Ben Gurion International Airport.

The military’s spokesman Daniel Hagari said Monday, October 9, that Israeli troops have regained control of all towns on the Gaza border, but that terrorists may remain in Israeli territory. A short time later, the Israel Defense Forces said troops killed a Palestinian terrorist in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, close to the border with the Gaza Strip.

Hagari said the army has evacuated 15 out of 24 towns on the border and will continue to evacuate the others over the course of Monday, but that the town of Sderot will not be evacuated at this stage. Additionally, Hagari claimed some 4,400 rockets have been launched toward Israel since the fighting started on Saturday morning.

Regarding the draft of reservists, Hagari said the IDF “has never mobilized so many reservists so quickly — 300,000 reservists in 48 hours.” This is the largest mobilization since the 1973 Yom Kippur War when Israel called up 400,000 reservists. (TOI / VFI News)

“God, we ask that You help our defense forces act as quickly and efficiently as possible in protecting our people and land. We pray for the safety of all of our soldiers and we hope that they will manage to thwart any incoming attacks, as well as capture the terrorists that have been wreaking havoc in Israel since Saturday.”

In this VFI News update, we delve into the ongoing crisis in Israel, which has seen over 900 casualties and more than 2,600 wounded in just one day. We discuss the intense clashes, rocket barrages, and the formal declaration of war, granting the government extraordinary powers. The video highlights the hostage situation and Hamas's actions, including their calls for support from other groups. Stay informed about this critical situation and the global response.

The Palestinian terror attack happened on the Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret, the final day of the annual High Holy Day cycle. Photos and videos were uploaded to social media that showed Palestinians praising the violent terror attack.

Some Palestinians were pictured celebrating after they were able to capture an Israeli tank. The photos showed the Palestinians waving the Palestine flag and posing with the “victory” hand symbol. Another Palestinian was seen praying on the ground in front of the captured Israeli tank.

Another video from Judea and Samaria showed Palestinians cheering, clapping, and chanting things to show support for the violent terror attack on Israel. The crowd could be seen holding guns in the air and shooting them, including a young girl holding two guns surrounded by men.

The celebration extended across the globe as well. Palestinian supporters in Istanbul – Turkey, Berlin – Germany, London – the UK, and the US were seen cheering and waving Palestine flags to show support for the violent attack on Israel. (BB / VFI News)

“A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.” - Proverbs 17:4

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended an invitation to opposition leader Yair Lapid and former defense minister Benny Gantz to join an emergency government to manage the war, following Hamas’ attack on Israel.

This comes after Gaza-area residents claimed that hours after the infiltrations took place, there was no sign of Israeli security forces and that they felt abandoned.

In a statement on Saturday evening, Lapid expressed his openness to joining such an emergency government. Lapid began his statement by offering condolences to the families of the victims and wishing the wounded a speedy recovery. He also urged citizens to follow the instructions of the security forces.

"I’m not currently focused on assigning blame or questioning our preparedness. This is neither the time nor the place. We must stand united against our adversaries. Israel is at war," he said. "Israel needs the guidance of a skilled, seasoned, and accountable government. I am confident that former defense minister [Benny] Gantz would also align with such an administration. Israel faced a severe setback today," Lapid added.

Gantz later met with Netanyahu to discuss the possibility and subsequently considered the option. After their conversation, he convened with members of his National Unity party.

Yisrael Beytenu chairman and former defense minister Avigdor Liberman also said he will join the current government if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — together with the defense minister and IDF chief of staff — “stand in front of the cameras and inform the Jewish people” that the government intends to “eliminate the Hamas terror organization and all its terrorist leaders,” and will not suffice with anything less. (JPost / VFI News)

European leaders roundly condemn the massive assault by the Hamas terror group on Israel. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock says Hamas contributes to “the intensification of violence,” adding Israel “has our full solidarity” and “the right, guaranteed by international law, to defend itself against terrorism.”

France expressed “full solidarity with Israel and the victims” and underscored “its absolute rejection of terrorism and its commitment to Israel’s security.” French President Emmanuel Macron said he “firmly condemns” the attacks.

Britain’s foreign minister James Cleverly condemned the “horrific attacks” and underlined Israel’s right to self-defense. Furthermore, a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says Sunak has spoken with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and offered any support Israel needs.

Additionally, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic all say they back Israel’s right to defend itself.

The United Arab Emirates also stressed in a statement that Hamas attacks “are a serious and grave escalation,” and that it is “appalled by reports that Israeli civilians have been abducted as hostages from their homes.” (TOI / VFI News)

“God, we thank You for giving us allies that valiantly speak out against our tormentors. We pray that they continue to offer substantial support and that they will join the fight against terrorism in Israel and actively assist us during these turbulent times.”

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, held a press conference at the UN on Sunday, October 8, ahead of the Security Council’s meeting on the surprise Hamas terror attacks against Israel.

The Ambassador presented shocking photos and distressing videos of civilians who were murdered or kidnapped from their homes by Hamas, including children and the elderly. He emphasized that this is Israel’s 9/11 and that from now on, nothing will be the same.

Ambassador Erdan said, “These animal-like terrorists broke into homes, gathered entire families into rooms, and shot them point blank. As if they were stomping on insects. Grandparents and the elderly, among them Holocaust survivors who endured the Nazis, were violently dragged from their homes, this time by Hamas, and taken into Gaza…. These are war crimes! Blatant documented war crimes!”

The Ambassador also referred to the massacre at the nature party near Gaza, saying, “These savages gunned down Jewish revelers just like Nazi death squads in the 1940s. Hundreds were butchered, their bodies mutilated and defiled. And those who survived were taken to Gaza.”

The Ambassador made clear that he expects only one thing from the Council. “Hamas’ war crimes must be unequivocally condemned. This unimaginable atrocity must be condemned. Israel must be given steadfast support to defend ourselves. To defend the free world.” (INN / VFI News)

“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” - Revelation 21:8

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

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