'We are at war': Netanyahu responds after Hamas carries out massive attack on Israel, kills 40 and injures at least 560

Palestinian Islamist group Hamas carried out one of the largest attacks against Israel in years on Saturday, killing at least 40 people and injuring hundreds more. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, "We are at war."

The attack was apparently part of a surprise assault that included gunmen riding into Israel on motorcycles and rockets fired from Gaza. However, Netanyahu has vowed to retaliate, per Reuters.

There were at least 561 people wounded in the attack. They were transported to Israeli hospitals to have wounds treated, and 77 of those were found to be in critical condition.

Social media was flooded with footage of what appear to be members of Hamas assaulting and kidnapping women.

An X user posted four different videos of the assault being carried out in Israel, writing: "Palestinian terrorists opening fire at Israeli attendees of a music festival. Many Israelis are unaccounted for. Some have been kidnapped. Stomach turning scenes from Israel as Hamas terrorists bombard our country."

"We are at war," Netanyahu said during a televised broadcast. He went on to declare that the Israeli military has been mobilized to put down the attack, adding that this is "[n]ot an 'operation,' not a 'round,' but a war."

“The enemy will pay an unprecedented price,” noting that Israel would carry out an attack that would see the small country "return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known."

The Associated Press reported that during a meeting of top security officials in Israel, Netanyahu claimed that the biggest priority is to "cleanse the area" of infiltrators, adding that they would "exact a huge price from the enemy." He went on to suggest that it was also important to secure other areas in order to mitigate other militant groups from joining the war.

Israel leader: 'We are at war' after Hamas attackwww.youtube.com

The assault on Israel was carried out during Simchat Torah, a traditionally joyous day when Jews complete their reading of the Torah scroll. However, the attack that has recently taken place is reminiscent of the Mideast war that took place in 1973, where Israel's political enemies launched a surprise attack on Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.

The attack has drawn significant criticism from Western countries around the world, including the U.S.

"The United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians. There is never any justification for terrorism," White House National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.

Full Special Report: Israel declares war after surprise Hamas attack | NBC Newswww.youtube.com

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