Gaza terrorists launch surprise attack on Israel with rocket barrages and infiltrations

Gunmen infiltrate Siderot, other communities; over 22 killed, 545 wounded; IDF declares ‘state of war,’ calls up reserves; 2,200 rockets fired, including at Tel Aviv, Dimona, J'lem.

Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip launched massive rocket barrages at southern and central Israel on Saturday morning, combined with an assault by dozens of gunmen who infiltrated the border town of Siderot and other communities, clashing with Israel Defense Force troops. At least 22 people were killed and some 545 wounded, according to medical officials.

The unprecedented surprise attack by terrorists in the Gaza Strip started at around  6:30 a.m. and Israelis celebrated the last day of the weeklong Sukkot festival with hundreds of rockets fired at Israel. It came a day after Israel and the Arab world marked the 50th anniversary of the surprise attack by Egypt and Syria that launched the Yom Kippur War.

This attack too appeared to catch Israel completely by surprise. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was “at war.” (Read More)