Israeli military confirms Hamas holding soldiers and civilians hostage following surprise attack
Eden Villalovas
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The Israeli military confirmed the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas claimed has captured several Israel Defense Forces members and civilians and is holding them hostage.
The al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, shared a video on Telegram, saying they have a number of soldiers in their “grip.” Other reports claim the resistance group has taken civilians hostage.
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Video footage appeared to show stolen Israeli military vehicles, including a tank. According to reports from Haaretz, an Israeli newspaper, civilians from Israeli villages, including children, were captured and brought into Gaza to be held hostage.
Israel’s national rescue service, Magen David Adom, said Hamas has captured two ambulances and killed at least one medic, per the Times of Israel.
On Saturday, Hamas carried out an attack on a military base on the border with the Gaza Strip, coming as a surprise raid on the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
Israeli media is reporting that the operation has killed at least 40 Israelis and injured at least 740. The surprise assault marks the biggest attack on Israel in years by Hamas.
After Hamas led the deadly attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war in a televised address.
“We are at war,” he said. “Not an ‘operation,’ not a ’round,’ but at war.’ The enemy will pay an unprecedented price.”
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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement Saturday that he is closely monitoring the situation in Israel.
“Our commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself remains unwavering, and I extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this abhorrent attack on civilians,” Austin said. “Over the coming days, the Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism.”