Over 250 Israelis killed and hundreds injured in Hamas attack

Gunmen affiliated with the Palestinian group Hamas conducted a violent rampage through Israeli towns on Saturday, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 250 Israeli lives. They also managed to escape with numerous hostages, marking this day as the deadliest episode of violence in Israel since the Yom Kippur war that unfolded half a century ago.

In response, Israel initiated a series of retaliatory strikes that led to the unfortunate death of more than 230 Gazans in one of the most devastating days of violence in the region. The conflict persisted well into the night.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his determination for retribution, stating, "We will exact powerful retribution for this heinous day." He further characterized the actions of Hamas as the initiation of a cruel and malevolent war, acknowledging the immense toll it had imposed. He asserted, "Hamas seeks to annihilate us all. This is an adversary that mercilessly targets mothers and children within the sanctity of their homes, even in their own beds. It is an adversary that abducts the elderly, children, and teenage girls."

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh declared that the assault, which had commenced in Gaza, a densely populated area housing 2.3 million Palestinians, would extend its reach to the West Bank and Jerusalem. Gazans have endured a 16-year-long Israeli blockade, adding to the complexity of the ongoing conflict.

Several major airlines canceled numerous flights to Tel Aviv over the weekend following the surprise large-scale attack by the Palestinian group Hamas against Israel. Notable carriers, including American Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa, Emirates, Ryanair, and Aegean Airlines, were among those discontinuing their flights as displayed on the arrivals board at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport.

However, airport authorities did not suspend commercial air services to Eilat, Israel's second international airport, and a popular tourist destination located on the shores of the Red Sea.