US President says he stands with Israel, pledges support; other top developments on Hamas attack on Israel

Journalists take cover behind cars as Israeli soldiers take position during clashes with Palestinian fighters near the Gevim Kibbutz, close to the border with Gaza on October 7, 2023. (AFP Photo)

Hamas militants infiltrated Israel through air, sea, and land, from the blockaded Gaza Strip. The militant group is believed to have launched approximately 5,000 rockets from Gaza.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, "We are in a state of war" and promised a strong retaliatory response. He authorized a significant mobilization of army reserves, and Israel's military engaged in ground operations against Palestinian militants near the Gaza Strip.

Amid the escalating conflict, hundreds of Gaza residents fled their homes, seeking safety away from the Israeli border.

These developments unfolded as the United States was working to facilitate a historic agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia to establish diplomatic relations.

The events that transpired today represent the most significant escalation since the 10-day conflict between Israel and Hamas in 2021.

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Here are the top developments on the Hamas attack on Israel:

--The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting tomorrow at 3:00 pm local time (1900 GMT) to discuss "the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian"

--Israeli foreign ministry in a statement said security forces are securing regions targeted by Hamas militants who have infiltrated Israeli communities and held civilians captive.

--Brazil, which holds the UN Security Council presidency, announced that it would call an emergency meeting of the body to address the escalating violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip. In a statement, it said, "The Brazilian government condemns the series of bombings and ground attacks carried out today in Israel starting from the Gaza Strip."

--Joe Biden stated that he had a conversation with the Israeli Prime Minister regarding the distressing Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel, said he extends his support and reiterated his commitment to ensuring Israel's security.

--US President Joe Biden cautioned any other party with hostile intentions towards Israel attempting to exploit the current situation. In his statement, Biden emphasized that he had spoken with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and reiterated that the United States was prepared to offer any necessary support.

--UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for diplomatic action in the Middle East to avert escalation of conflict.

--UNGA President condemns Hamas attacks on Israel, calls for peace, tweeted, "I strongly condemn the attack by Hamas militants against Israel, which killed & injured hundreds of innocent civilians. My deepest condolences to the families & relatives of the victims. I urge all parties to refrain from further violence & to seek an immediate path to peace."

--Office of the Prime Minister of Israel said US President Biden has assured PM Netanyahu of strong US support for Israel's right to self-defence.

--United States condemns attacks by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Israel, and supports Israel's right to defend itself, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. "There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel, and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks," Blinken said in a statement released by the State Department.

--NATO spokesman Dylan White condemning Hamas 'terrorist attacks' against partner Israel, said "Our thoughts are with the victims and all those affected. Terrorism is a fundamental threat to free societies, and Israel has the right to defend itself."

--The Palestine health ministry said until 4:20 pm (1320 GMT) at least 198 people were killed in Gaza and 1,610 wounded in the conflict.

--Air India in the best interests of passengers has cancelled the Delhi to Tel Aviv flight scheduled for October 7, as well as the return flight AI140 from Tel Aviv to Delhi.

--Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu at the Security Cabinet meeting sets clear objectives, eliminating infiltrators and imposing heavy costs on the enemy, says, "Since this morning, the State of Israel has been at war. Our first objective is to clear out the hostile forces that infiltrated our territory and restore security and quiet to the communities that have been attacked. The second objective, at the same time, is to exact an immense price from the enemy, within the Gaza Strip as well. The third objective is to reinforce other fronts so that nobody should mistakenly join this war..."

--Palestinian health ministry says 161 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza (Al-Arabiya report)

--The White House condemning attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists, "The United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians," National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement, adding that "there is never any justification for terrorism."

--PM Modi condemning terrorist attacks on Israel, offers solidarity. "Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour, PM Modi said in his tweet.

--Kobbi Shoshani, the Israeli Consul General in Mumbai, said India is counted among the benevolent nations of the world, and this holds immense significance for them.

--Rahim Safavi, adviser to Iran supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calls Hamas attack on Israel 'proud' operation, said "We support the proud operation of Al-Aqsa Flood. We support this operation, and we are sure that the resistance front also supports this issue."

--Western nations condemned a wave of Palestinian attacks on Israel -- a sharp spike in violence that has been surging for two years. Germany said 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".

--Palestinian militant group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, released a video showing it had captured three men who were dressed in civilian clothes. (AFP)

--European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen "unequivocally" condemned attacks by the Palestinian group Hamas on Israel and called for an immediate stop to the violence, said, "I unequivocally condemn the attack carried out by Hamas terrorists against Israel. It is terrorism in its most despicable form. Israel has the right to defend itself against such heinous attacks."

--The Israeli military has stated it will require a short period of time to reestablish control over settlements located near the Gaza border.

--According to the Israeli Health Ministry, a total of 545 Israelis have been wounded since the onset of the Hamas terrorist attack

--Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urges Israel and Palestinians "to act reasonably" and avoid a further escalation, said, "We invite all parties to act reasonably and to stay away from impulsive steps that raise tensions."

--UK PM Rishi Sunak condemns Hamas attacks on Israeli citizens, supports Israel's right to self-defence, wrote on social networking platform X, "I am shocked by this morning's attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens. Israel has an absolute right to defend itself. We're in contact with Israeli authorities, and British nationals in Israel should follow travel advice."

--Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was at "war" with Hamas. Netanyahu's statement read: "We are at war, not in an operation or in rounds, but at war. I have ordered an extensive mobilisation of reserves and that we return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price."

--Britain's foreign minister James Cleverly condemned attacks on Israel by Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip, wrote on social networking platform X, "The UK unequivocally condemns the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians. The UK will always support Israel's right to defend itself."

--India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an advisory amid Hamas attack, urging all Indian nationals living in israel "to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols".

--Israeli Airforce tweeted: Dozens of fighter jets of the Israeli Air Force are now attacking targets of the terrorist organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip in several locations, tweets Israeli Air Force

--Multiple casualties have been reported without further information, according to Bloomberg.

--There has now been air force striking in Gaza, military spokesman told Reuters

-- X (formerly Twitter) and Tesla chief Elon Musk expressed sorrow on the militant attack on Israel. "Sorry to see what’s happening in Israel. I hope there can be peace one day," he posted.

--The French Embassy in Israel on Saturday condemned attacks by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas on Israel, describing them as "inadmissible terrorist attacks".

--Israel's Defense Minister said Hamas has 'made a grave mistake'.

--Israeli media reported gunbattles between bands of Palestinian fighters and security forces in towns in southern Israel. In Gaza, people rushed to buy supplies in anticipation of days of conflict ahead.

--Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif announced the start of the operation in a broadcast on Hamas media, calling on Palestinians everywhere to fight. "This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth," he said, reported news agency Reuters.

--The armed wing of Hamas declared it has begun "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood" and said it has fired over 5,000 rockets in the "first strike of 20 minutes." "We have decided to put an end to all of this, with the help of God, so that the enemy understands that the time of recklessness without accountability is over," Hamas militant leader Mohamed Deif said in a pre-recorded speech.

--The Israeli military said its forces were operating inside Gaza but gave no details." A number of terrorists have infiltrated into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip," the military said in a statement, adding that residents in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip had been told to stay in their homes.

--Israeli media reported that gunmen had opened fire on passers-by in the town of Sderot, in southern Israel, and footage circulating on social media appeared to show clashes in city streets as well as gunmen in jeeps roaming the countryside.

(With inputs from agencies)