Israeli residents near the Gaza Strip continue to ask for help as terrorists carry out shooting attacks inside the settlements while there is little or no IDF presence on the streets, according to Israeli media reports.
One Channel 12 reporter said: “Hamas now controls several population centres in southern Israel. I can’t believe I’m saying this. The residents are begging for help.”
A pregnant Kibbutz Sufa resident told Channel 12 from a safe room with her two-year-old child and close family members, saying, “They are shooting at our house, they are trying to break down the door of the safe room.”
She said her husband and four other armed residents were fighting in the streets with no aid from the IDF. “I don’t understand how this is still going on. We’re in this situation since 6 in the morning,” she added. “Four people cannot fight them off alone."
Residents in other areas near the Gaza Strip report of unprecedented fighting.
In an Instagram story timed to 9:55 am cited by Ynet, a resident of Kfar Gaza writes: “I’m begging you!!! We can’t catch anyone! There are terrorists in Kfar Gaza, send forces to Kibbutz Kfar Gaza!!!”
Another Channel 12 reporter in Beersheba describes receiving dozens of requests for help from residents of the Gaza Strip.
Mirjam Reijnen, a 42-year-old volunteer firefighter in Nahal Oz, said: “With rockets we somehow feel safer, knowing that we have the Iron Dome (missile defence system) and our safe rooms. But knowing that terrorists are walking around communities is a different kind of fear."
She added that she and her three kids have been too scared to leave the shelter even to use the bathroom.
Israelis have been told to stay locked down following the unprecedented and unprovoked attack by Hamas.
On Saturday morning, images and video of Hamas terrorists infiltrating and paragliding into Israel flooded social media. Thousands of rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel.
Israel’s first red alert siren sounded at 06:30 this morning in Rishon LeZion.
It comes just after the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur war and on the holy day of Shemini Atzeret and Shabbat.
It is unknown how many Hamas terrorists have entered Israel but authorities say they have engaged them in 21 locations in Israel.
Reports of Israeli civilians, including women and children being executed, have emerged. Israeli media report that six people have been confirmed killed, 200 wounded and at least two dozen seriously or critically wounded.
Hamas claim to have an IDF tank in their possession.
Authorities are urging people not to cause panic or share unverified footage.
Israeli defence minister Yoav Galant, at the end of his assessment of the situation, said: "Hamas made a serious mistake this morning and started a war against the State of Israel.
"IDF soldiers are fighting at all points of penetration against the enemy. The State of Israel will win this war."
The IDF has carried out several air strikes on the Gaza Strip.
