In a shocking turn of events, Hamas launched a large-scale surprise attack on Israel, leading to days of violence that left bodies scattered around the Israeli kibbutz Kfar Aza.
Heavily armed Hamas fighters infiltrated from Gaza, rampaging through rural Israeli communities, resulting in a devastating aftermath.
Israel reported the discovery of around 1,500 bodies of militants in the wake of the assault. Kfar Aza was one of the hardest-hit areas, with houses ransacked and set on fire. The aftermath revealed overturned mattresses, destroyed furniture, broken trinkets, and unexploded grenades, along with the tragic sight of casualties, highlighting the scale of destruction caused by Hamas in the region.
Maj. Gen. Itai Veruv expressed his astonishment at the situation, stating that he had never witnessed anything like this during his 40 years of service. Israeli troops eventually secured the kibbutz from the Hamas assailants, while the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began the solemn task of collecting the casualties from house to house.
The IDF reported that individuals, including women, children, toddlers, and the elderly, were subjected to brutal violence reminiscent of ISIS-style actions during the conflict.
Hamas targeted several kibbutzim and towns, including Kfar Aza, Be’eri, Ofakim, Sderot, Yad Mordechai, Yated, Kissufim, and Urim. Even revelers at a music festival near Be’eri were not spared, with many being gunned down and taken hostage.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties in Israel, with IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus reporting at least 1,200 deaths as of Wednesday. In retaliation, Israel initiated a relentless aerial campaign against Gaza, causing extensive damage to homes, schools, medical facilities, and government buildings in the besieged strip.
Gaza, on the other hand, has seen its death toll rise to 900, including 260 children and 230 women, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, with an additional 4,500 people wounded.
