6:30 AM – Unexpected Onslaught:
The serene Saturday morning was abruptly shattered when thousands of rockets were launched into Israel. In a well-coordinated maneuver, hundreds of Palestinian militants simultaneously penetrated Israel’s territory.

By the end of this shocking initiation of violence:

Israeli casualties soared to at least 250, with over 1,590 wounded.
More than 280 of the injured were reported to be in critical or severe condition.
Intense firefights raged on as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) engaged with the militants.
Desperate calls from southern residents echoed for military support.
Disturbingly, several militants fortified themselves within homes in the Gaza vicinity, taking hostages.
To counteract, 35 IDF units were dispatched, aiming to rescue the besieged residents.
Three militant squads were neutralized near the border.
00:00 – Ministry of Health Update:
A somber report accounted for 1,590 individuals rushed to hospitals. Among them:

19 in life-threatening conditions.
293 severely wounded.
315 moderately hurt.
715 with minor injuries.
20 in a state of shock.
181 awaiting medical evaluation.
23:55 – Hostage Situations Persist:
A distressing update revealed many hostages still held captive in Kibbutz Be’eri and Ofakim.

23:50 – IDF’s Response:
In a statement, the IDF confirmed continued airstrikes targeting rocket launch pads, operational command centers, and several militants. These efforts included:

Targeting a concealed rocket launch site and two nearby militants.
Thwarting a group of militants attempting an infiltration via Zikim Beach.
Neutralizing additional militants and vehicles attempting to breach the Gaza-Israel barrier.
Launching precision airstrikes on command centers of both Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror groups.
23:38 – Netivot Tragedy:
The names of 15 residents killed in Netivot were disclosed, with the heart-rending revelation that three belonged to the same family.

23:20 – Loss of an IDF Commander:
The nation mourned the loss of Major Jonathan Steinberg, the commander of the Nahal Brigade. He was killed during a skirmish with a militant near Kerem Shalom. The IDF spokesperson confirmed the tragic news and extended condolences to his family.

23:16 – Speculation on Motive:
The American NBC network cited official sources speculating that the timing of Hamas’ attack might be linked to their belief that a normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel was imminent.

23:14 – Sderot Under Siege:
A militant who infiltrated a Sderot police station managed to evade capture, leading to intense street battles. Residents were urgently advised to stay indoors.

23:10 – Solidarity with Israel:
Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz shared an image of Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate illuminated with the Israeli flag, captioning it, “In solidarity with Israel.”

23:00 – Sderot Police Station Ablaze:
After a fierce encounter with infiltrating militants, the police station in Sderot was set on fire.

22:55 – IDF’s Family Support Center:
The IDF’s Family Support Center, in collaboration with the Israel Police, began its operations at 4 Negev Street, Kiryat Sde Dov Airport (Lahav 433 building). Families searching for their loved ones were advised to come equipped with identification, an item for DNA extraction, and a photo of the missing person.

22:40 – Sderot Standoff:
A violent confrontation ensued at the Sderot police station, with reports of numerous casualties.

22:30 – Northern Command Update:
The IDF’s Northern Command held an assessment meeting with regional council heads. Despite a heightened state of alert, they maintained a full routine in the north.

20:16 – Prime Minister Netanyahu’s statement from the Kirya in Tel Aviv:

“Dear citizens of Israel, this morning, Hamas forces invaded Israeli territory, on a holiday and Shabbat morning, murdering innocent civilians, children, and elderly. Hamas has started a cruel and villainous war. We will win this war, but the price is unbearable. This is a very tough day for all of us.

“Hamas wants to murder all of us. An enemy that kills children and mothers in their homes, in their beds. An enemy that kidnaps elderly people, children, and teenagers. Murderers who butcher and slaughter our citizens, our children, who just went out to celebrate the holiday. What happened today has never been seen in Israel, and I will ensure it never happens again. The entire government stands behind this decision.

“The IDF will immediately use all its power to destroy Hamas’s capabilities. We will strike them mercilessly and avenge this dark day they brought upon the State of Israel and its citizens. As Bialik said: ‘The revenge for the blood of a small child Satan has not yet created.’

“All the places where Hamas operates in this wicked city, all the places where Hamas hides and operates from, we will turn them into ruins. I tell the residents of Gaza: leave now because we will act everywhere and with full force.

“IDF forces are currently cleansing the last of the settlements of terrorists. They go from settlement to settlement, house to house, and return control to us.

“I send a heartfelt hug and condolences to the bereaved families whose loved ones were murdered today in cold blood and endless cruelty. We all also pray for the well-being of the injured and for all those held as hostages. I tell Hamas: you are responsible for their well-being. Israel will hold anyone who harms a hair on their head accountable. I address the residents of the south – we all stand by you, we are all proud of you for standing strong, for fighting.

“To our beloved IDF soldiers, policemen, security personnel – remember that you continue the legacy of Israel’s heroes, of Joshua Ben Nun, Judah Maccabee, the heroes of 1948 and all of Israel’s wars. You are now fighting for our home, for our future. We are all with you, we all love you, we all salute you.

“To the medical and rescue teams, and the many volunteers who stood strong today in a long line of places – the people of Israel salute you. With your spirit, we will overcome our enemies.

“I spoke a few hours ago with President Biden and with world leaders to ensure Israel’s freedom of action in this campaign. I thank President Biden for his clear and strong words. I thank the President of France, the Prime Minister of Britain, and many other leaders for your unequivocal support for Israel.

“I now turn to all the citizens of Israel, we stand together in this battle. This war will take time. It will be hard. Challenging days lie ahead. But I can promise one thing: with God’s help, with the combined forces of all of us, with our faith in the eternity of Israel – we will win.”

22:03 – The number of Israeli casualties has risen to 250. About 1,500 injured, including 290 in severe condition.

21:57 – As part of the security establishment’s preparations for prolonged warfare and in accordance with the current situation assessment, Defense Minister Yoav Galant decided to extend the special status to the entire state of Israel.

The expansion of the emergency status will allow the IDF to issue special instructions to the population, limit gatherings, and close sites in relevant locations.

21:55 – The Israel Broadcasting Authority’s spokesperson: All international flights scheduled to depart from Terminal 1, starting from 02:00 AM and onwards, will be moved to Terminal 3. Domestic flights will continue to depart from Terminal 1.

Air France canceled all outbound and inbound flights to Ben-Gurion Airport.

21:50 – US President Joe Biden issued an official statement regarding the war situation in Israel: “The United States stands with Israel, and we will never turn our back on her. They have the right to defend themselves. Thousands of rockets were fired at the State of Israel, killing not only soldiers but also civilians. Entire families were taken hostage on one of Israel’s holiest days.

“I spoke with Netanyahu and said that Israel has the right to defend itself. My government supports Israel, and this is unquestionable. Now is the time to allow Israel to stop the attacks; the world is watching. We ensure Israel has everything it needs, including talks with Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the Palestinian Authority. This is a terrible tragedy; families were uprooted, and it’s heartbreaking.

“I will stay in close contact with Netanyahu. The USA stands by Israel; we were the first country to recognize the State of Israel.” The president concluded by saying

21:07 – Control was achieved over Kfar Aza. A statement from the Eshkol Regional Council: “At this stage, you can leave the shelters, but you should stay close to them or close to the most fortified place available. Stay inside houses, with doors and windows locked. Many security forces are still operating in the settlements and are conducting searches to rule out the presence of terrorists.”

21:00 – Announcement from the Merhavim Regional Council: There are illumination flares in several settlements; these are IDF soldiers scanning the area. Please stay inside and follow the instructions.

20:47 – The number of fatalities since the start of the war has risen to 200. The number of injured stands at approximately 1,100 people.

20:45 – Leader of the State Camp, Benny Gantz: Considering joining a war-time emergency government, focused solely on security challenges, in a way that would allow meaningful participation and influence on decision-making in relevant forums.

20:42 – Released for publication: Omri Ram, Tzur Sa’idi, and Aviad Levi, residents of Gedera, were killed in the nature party in Ra’im.

20:35 – Chief Superintendent Jair Davidov, commander of the Rahat station, was shot dead during an earlier clash with terrorists today.

20:32 – MDA spokesperson: Following recent impacts in the Rishon LeZion area – MDA teams are providing medical care and evacuating to Shamir Asaf Harofeh Hospital, 2 injured individuals, around 28 years old, in severe condition. In the Yavne area – MDA teams are providing medical care and evacuating to Assuta Hospital, a 73-year-old woman in severe condition and a 77-year-old man in light condition. In the Bat Yam area – MDA teams are providing medical care and evacuating to Wolfson Hospital, a 24-year-old man in moderate condition. In the Tel Aviv area – MDA teams are providing medical care and evacuating to Wolfson and Ichilov Hospitals, one injured in moderate condition and 3 in light condition.

20:21 – Two severely injured from a rocket hit in Rishon LeZion, another severely injured at the Yavne junction. One moderately injured and 6 lightly injured from the rocket hit on Abravanel Street in Tel Aviv.

20:13 – The house of Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip, Yahya Sinwar, was bombed.

20:12 – The massive fire towards the center of the country and the lowlands continues. There are 3 hits on buildings in Givatayim, Bat Yam, and south Tel Aviv.

20:07 – The number of fatalities has risen to approximately 150.

The Ministry of Health updates on 1,104 injured individuals who were taken to hospitals, of which: 17 are in critical condition, 200 severely injured, 226 moderate, 451 light, 11 ultra-Orthodox injured, and 142 under medical evaluation.

20:05 – The President of the State, Isaac Herzog, recently spoke with several world leaders who emphasized their support for the State of Israel and its right to defend itself.

The UN Secretary-General to the President: “Strongly condemns the attack on Israel.”

The US Secretary of State to the President: “The United States stands by Israel and will do everything possible to assist her in her war efforts.”

20:00 – Red color alarms sound in many settlements in the center, the lowlands, the Sharon, and the south. Hamas: We have now fired 150 missiles towards Israel.

19:58 – 88 injured arrived at the Sheba Medical Center: 32 of them in severe condition, 24 in moderate condition, and the rest are lightly injured. 13 have been discharged.

19:48 – Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, MK Israel Katz, has ordered the Israel Electric Corporation to cut off electricity supply to the Palestinian Authority in the Gaza Strip: “What was will not be.”

Chief of Police, Rav Nitzav Yaakov Shabtai, recently held a special situation assessment meeting with senior officials and various role holders. The Chief emphasized that the Israel Police has started recruiting Border Guard reserve units to bolster forces on the ground. The Chief called on police volunteers and Border Guard to join the forces in order to assist the police in its numerous tasks and instructed the commanders to equip the volunteers with appropriate equipment and weapons.

19:40 – Arab media report: IDF targets the house of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

19:33 – 13 hours after the start of the fighting: The IDF regained control over Kibbutz Ra’im. In Kfar Aza and Nachal Oz, battles are still ongoing between terrorists and trapped residents. Control was achieved over the Gaza Division headquarters.

19:32 – Prime Minister Netanyahu also met with MK Benny Gantz, and they were supposed to discuss the formation of a unity government. According to a senior

19:13 – Barzilai Hospital updates that they are currently treating 258 injured individuals, with 46 of them in critical condition. Reports from Gaza indicate that the IDF is currently targeting a building in Beit Lahiya, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.

18:50 – A tense situation unfolds in a house in Ofakim with hostages involved: a terrorist threatens to detonate a grenade on the occupants of the house.

18:44 – Minister Ben Gvir has just signed a civilian emergency event order covering the entire State of Israel. This order, which is now in effect for the next 48 hours, will impact police operations.

18:40 – Reports are coming in that the Air Force has struck the ‘Palestine’ Tower in Gaza, which houses around 100 apartments.

18:30 – Gaza reports: IDF is targeting a building in the center of the Strip. The head of the political bureau of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, stated: “Hamas leadership is leading ‘Operation Al-Aqsa Storm’ everywhere, together with our factions and our people. We have warned Israel and the entire world that we won’t remain silent about what is happening in Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque, even if everyone else does.”

18:27 – Opposition leader Yair Lapid remarks, “I won’t delve into who is to blame or why we were caught off guard right now. This isn’t the time or place; we’ll stand united against our enemies. Israel is at war. It won’t be an easy war, and it won’t be a short one. It has strategic implications that we haven’t seen for a very long time. There’s a significant risk it could become a multi-front war. I’ve just met with Prime Minister Netanyahu. I informed him that in the current emergency situation, I’m prepared to put all differences aside and establish a professional, lean emergency government with him to manage the challenging, complex, and ongoing situation facing us.”

18:12 – IDF Spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagri, during a press conference: “We are at war. Since 6:30 in the morning, Hamas has fired over 2000 rockets at Israel, and terrorists have infiltrated our borders. There are numerous areas in the south where terrorists are present, but the IDF is flooding the border communities with many operational forces. In addition, commanders are conducting battles in all areas, and the Air Force and other forces have launched an attack on Gaza,” continued Brig. Gen. Hagri, “Simultaneously, we’ve begun a broad call-up of reserves for all IDF systems. In recent hours, there have been false reports. I ask the public and the media to act responsibly and rely on the IDF Spokesperson and our updates. We will provide real-time updates.”

17:58 – The number of injured has risen to at least 1,000.

17:50 – Israel Railways update: Special trains are being operated from the north to the south for IDF soldiers. Train service at the stations in Ofakim, Netivot, and Sderot won’t be renewed until further notice.

17:46 – Ehud Yaari reports: Hezbollah is on high alert, and UNIFIL forces are closing in on their bases.

17:27 – The IDF spokesman confirms: “There are abductees and prisoners of war that Hamas took. There are also casualties among IDF soldiers. We do not yet have an exact number – we are at war.” At the same time, he informed that in Ofakim and Bari there are still events with hostages.

17:24 – Former US ambassador, Nikki Haley: “Hamas is a bloodthirsty terrorist organization backed by Iran and determined to kill as many innocent lives as possible.”

17:13 Prime Minister Netanyahu met with opposition leader Yair Lapid for a security update.

17:00 – The fighters of the sea arm conducted a naval pursuit and eliminated dozens of terrorists who tried to reach Israeli territory.

16:55 Benny Gantz, chairman of the state camp and former minister of defense: “The criminal and painful attack by Hamas will end in a sharp, clear and decisive victory, and a serious injury to the enemy. Any terrorist organization that joins – will make a bitter and difficult mistake. It is possible to succeed in surprising the State of Israel – but it is impossible to defeat it. This is how we will prove this time as well.”

16:50 – 9 terrorists were killed in Kibbutz Nirim.

16:45 – At least 100 Israelis have been murdered and more than 800 wounded since the beginning of the war.

16:13 – Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Aaruri claims in an interview with Al-Jazeera: “They hold a large number of Israeli prisoners, including senior officers. They are prepared for all possibilities, including ground entry into the Strip.”

16:02 – Sderot: Gunfight between terrorist squads and our forces.

15:57 – Initial report: 50 hostages are surrounded in the dining room at Kibbutz Bari.

15:40 – Direct hit to a public building in Ashkelon, no casualties.

15:30 – Gunfight in Sderot between terrorist squads and our forces; The Air Force attacks in the north of the Gaza Strip.

15:25 – Netanyahu will talk with US President Biden in the next hour; US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in a message: “The Pentagon will work to ensure that Israel has the means to defend itself.”

15:19 – At this time: an encounter of IDF forces with terrorist squads in Bari and the Ashkelon coastal strip.

15:09 – The hostage event in Ofakim is apparently over, terrorists killed on the spot.

15:09 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates: “We express deep concern about the escalation of violence between Israelis and Palestinians, it must be stopped. We send our sincere condolences to all the victims. We call for maximum restraint and an immediate ceasefire to avoid dangerous consequences.”

15:02 – 7 battalions are working to liberate residents in the settlements, 3 terrorist squads were eliminated near the fence.

14:53 – The Ministry of Education announced: Tomorrow there will be no classes all over the country.

14:52 – At least 40 dead and 740 injured since morning.

14:49 – As of this hour, about 740 wounded Israelis have been evacuated to hospitals across the country.

14:45 – Report of hostages in Ofakim, in Sderot asking residents to shut themselves in their houses.

14:43 – Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu at the beginning of the meeting of the political-security cabinet: “Since this morning, the State of Israel has been at war. Our first goal is first of all to cleanse the area of the enemy forces that have infiltrated and restore security and peace to the settlements that were attacked. The second goal, at the same time, is to exact a price Enormous of the enemy, also in the Gaza Strip. The third goal is to fortify other arenas so that no one makes the mistake of joining this war.”

14:36 – Reports of battles against terrorists in Sderot.

14:35 – Director of Barzilai Hospital: 60 are hospitalized with us in a critical condition.

14:30 – The cabinet is now meeting in Kirya, a cabinet meeting will take place at 17:30.

14:29 – Condemnation of the American administration – Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor at the White House, spoke with his Israeli counterpart.

14:28 – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “Deeply shocked by the news of the terrorist attack in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult time.”

14:26: The military adviser of the supreme leader in Iran, Yahya Rahim Safavi: “We announce our support for the ‘Bol al-Aqsa’ operation. We will stand by the Palestinian resistance fighters until the liberation of Palestine.”

2:23 p.m.: Ra’am Chairman Mansur Abbas: “I implore my brothers and sisters to refrain from engaging in any acts of violence or harm to human life or public and private property, and not to be drawn into rumors or incitement that seeks to escalate within the Arab settlements and outside them or within the mixed cities.”

14:16 – At the Bilinson Hospital, a state of high alert was declared. 4 injured people were transferred from hospitals in the south of the country to the medical center: 2 in moderate condition and 2 in mild condition. 3 more injured are on their way to the hospital for evacuation from Mosk.

14:03 – The IDF continues to strike in the Strip at this hour.

13:57 – Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon updates on the condition of the injured who arrived at the center: A total of 182 injured were evacuated, including 12 in critical condition, 6 in severe condition, 107 in moderate condition, 41 in mild condition, 11 in a state of anxiety, and 5 whose condition has not yet been defined.

13:55 – Esther, who was injured in the natural party, told News 12: “We fled, my friend and I, and a young man picked us up. They shot at us on the way, the car overturned, the guy who drove and saved us was unconscious, and we managed to escape.”

13:50 – Update from Shamir Asaf Medical Center: 33 injured arrived at the medical center, including 2 in severe condition, 1 in moderate condition – the rest in mild condition.

13:48 – Islamic Jihad: “Holding Israeli hostages.”

13:46 – The IDF attacked 21 Hamas targets, sirens continue in the border area. The assessment: there are still terrorists inside the settlements.

13:44 – Hadassah Medical Center reports about approximately 23 injured evacuated in recent hours, including 1 in critical condition, 14 in severe condition, and the rest in moderate and mild conditions.

13:43 – Ichilov Hospital: An information center for the public has been opened, its number is 1255-133.

13:28: Fearing further confrontations: Minister Ben Gvir declared a civil emergency throughout the country. In addition, the minister and the commissioner decided to mobilize as many police volunteers as possible, halt courses, and fully arm all forces across the country.

13:23: Reports continue from the Gaza border settlements about terrorists on-site.

13:18: Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s Foreign Minister: “Hamas escalates the violence. I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks from Gaza against Israel. Violence and rockets against civilians must stop immediately. Israel has our full solidarity and the right under international law to defend itself against terror.”

12:58 – Over 3,000 rockets have been fired at Israel so far. Direct hits in the center and south.

12:54 – Erdogan: “Calls on Israelis and Palestinians to act with restraint and avoid aggressive actions that will escalate the situation.”

12:49 – IDF Spokesperson to News 12: “Hard hours are ahead of us, we are busy deploying special forces throughout the border area to take control of the battle and kill the terrorists. The battle is everywhere in the border area. We are currently creating a situation picture to understand what is happening in each settlement; this will take hours, there are terrorists roaming in every one of the settlements.”

12:44 – Ministry of Health updates: About 545 injured have been evacuated to hospitals across the country so far. Including those in critical and severe condition.

12:37 – Deputy head of Sdot Negev Regional Council, who was killed in a firefight: “There is still intense fighting in the settlements.”

12:37 – A statement from the National Cyber System: “In recent hours, rumors have been circulating about a cyber-attack on Israel. The National Cyber System clarifies that at this stage there is no specific cyber-attack related to the current situation. As part of the preparation in the economy, the Cyber System instructed the vital bodies to raise alertness. We remind that in an emergency, as in routine, you should avoid entering unidentified links. We call on the public and organizations to show responsibility and in any suspicion of a cyber-attack and also to clarify rumors related to cyber, dial 119. As developments occur, we will update.”

12:26 – Czech Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sharply condemns Hamas’ attack on Israel. The planned visit of Netanyahu to the country tomorrow has been canceled.

12:23 – Official update from MDA: At least 22 Israelis have been killed since this morning in the surprise attack launched on Israel.

12:15 – Over 300 injured in hospitals with various injuries. Including critical and very severe.

12:09 – Barzilai Hospital updates that 136 victims have been evacuated to the center so far, including: 9 in critical condition, 1 in severe condition, 86 in moderate condition, 30 in mild condition, and 10 anxiety victims.

12:05 – The Home Front Command updates: There will be no studies tomorrow in the Gaza envelope, in the southern settlements, in Gush Dan

11:30: Hospitals across the nation have admitted approximately 250 wounded. At Soroka: 140 wounded, of which 20 are in serious condition. Barzilai: 68, with an unknown number in serious condition. Assaf Harofeh: 17 hospitalized, 2 of them in serious condition. Kaplan: 21 wounded. Sheba: 2 seriously wounded.

11:24: The IDF confirms: “Hamas is physically holding several settlements in the Gaza envelope.” Currently, approximately 7 settlements in the envelope are being reclaimed by the IDF’s special forces.

11:21: Hezbollah releases a statement: “We salute the Palestinian people and Palestinian factions, especially the Al-Qassam Brigades, for their heroic action. Leadership in Lebanon is closely monitoring the situation on the ground and is in direct contact with Palestinian leadership in Gaza and abroad, continuously assessing the situation.”

11:20: The Upper Galilee Regional Council announces: “In light of the severe terror attack, a situation assessment took place. Currently, there are no changes in instructions. However, considering the severity of the events and their implications, we are preparing for the possibility of events spilling into our area. Kibbutz gates have been instructed to close and be manned. Emergency response teams are ready for various scenarios.”

11:05: Reports of kidnapped Israelis taken into Gaza.

10:59: Ministry of Culture and Sports announcement: “Due to the situation, all cultural and sporting bodies are advised to halt all activities at this time and cancel all scheduled events nationwide. Please adhere to Home Front Command instructions.”

10:48: Missile salvo towards Jerusalem and its surroundings simultaneous with attacks in Gaza.

10:46: About 2,200 rockets were fired at Israel; terrorists invaded from air, sea, and land. The border is still open at several points in the south. Concerns over potential kidnappings of Israelis.

10:45: A massive wave of airstrikes in the Gaza Strip.

10:44: Footage of a Palestinian reporter reporting from inside a southern kibbutz.

10:35: The head of Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council, Ofir Liebstein, is killed in an exchange of fire with terrorists.

10:33: Missile fire towards the Gush Dan region.

10:32: The IDF announces the launch of Operation “Iron Sabres.”

10:29: Dorin, a resident of Nir Oz, to Channel 12 News: “They entered our house, tried to open the safe room, I’m begging for help, we can hear gunshots.”

10:26: Reports of intense firefights in the south, concerns about the kidnappings of soldiers and civilians.

10:24: Approximately 150 wounded since the morning have been evacuated to hospitals.

10:19: The conflict that began in Gaza is expected to extend to the West Bank and abroad.

10:15: Another missile salvo towards Jerusalem and its vicinity.

10:10: Bruno Mars’ concert scheduled for tonight in Israel has been canceled.

10:04: Minister Yoav Galant: “Hamas has declared war on Israel, IDF soldiers are fighting at all infiltration points.”

10:01: Another missile strike towards Jerusalem.

10:00: Approximately 80 injured have been transferred to Soroka Hospital, some in extremely critical condition.

09:49: Home Front Command: “Residents of Sderot, Netivot, and Ofakim are requested to stay in shelters until further notice.”

09:45: Chief of Staff: “We are in a state of war, there are 21 active focal points in the southern region.”

09:25: Tal Yeremino, whose son was at a nature party in the south, tells Channel 12 News: “I called him in the morning, and they started their journey home. Shots were fired at them; they fled into the forest. They have been there for two hours with another friend; they don’t know where the rest are. I spoke to the police at 7 am and sent them their location; my son is desperate out there.”

09:22: Heavy missile salvo towards the Shfela region.

09:20: Red alert sirens in Jerusalem.

09:16: Revelers at a large nature party in the south report hearing gunshots. According to reports, many started to flee, and security forces escorted some of them to a southern military base.

09:09: Another missile salvo towards central cities, reports of hearing anti-missile interceptions.

09:09: The Security and Diplomatic Cabinet will convene at 13:00 at the Kirya in Tel Aviv. Before that, an extended situation assessment will be held at 9:30.

09:07: The IDF continues its attacks on Gaza.

09:06: IDF’s special maritime unit eliminated a terrorist squad near Yad Mordechai.

09:04: The French Embassy in Israel condemns the attack on Israel.

08:54: Four killed near rockets that struck near Nevatim.

08:51: Minister Yoav Galant declares a state of emergency up to the Gush Dan area: “We are preparing for prolonged warfare.”

08:45: Videos of terrorists in Gaza driving IDF jeeps are currently being distributed on social media.

08:35: Palestinians report that they have kidnapped an IDF soldier into the Gaza Strip.

08:29: Defense Minister Yoav Galant authorizes a broad call-up of reserves for necessary roles, according to IDF requirements.

08:28: Update from Assuta Ashdod Hospital: 4 injured arrived at the hospital – all in mild condition, 1 injured from shrapnel.

08:26: Israel Police spokesperson: “In light of the security events, the Israeli Police is calling on the residents of the Lachish region and the Negev region near the Gaza envelope to stay in their homes, remain in safe spaces, and report any unusual events.”

08:20: Two hours after the first missile launch towards Israel – the IDF is retaliating in Gaza.

08:17: Alerts in the Jerusalem area, interceptions heard.

08:10: Residents in southern settlements call for the army to intervene. Videos show armed terrorists on the streets; residents are locking themselves in their homes, waiting for assistance.

08:06: Eli Bin, Director General of MDA to Channel 12: “We have hundreds of phone calls and requests. We have several injured – we can’t reach all due to ongoing combat.”

08:04: IDF declares a state of wartime readiness.

08:00: MDA has treated approximately 16 injured since the morning, including 2 in serious condition, 6 in moderate condition, and 7 in mild condition. Another victim is the previously reported fatality.

07:55: The IDF states: “Hamas carried out a combined operation that included rocket fire and infiltration by terrorists and will pay a very heavy price.”

07:41: Terrorists, armed and in a vehicle, infiltrate Sderot. The IDF advises residents to stay in their homes.

In Gedera, a 52-year-old man is moderately injured and is transported by MDA to Kaplan Hospital with shrapnel injuries. Additionally, a 20-year-old young man is injured by shrapnel in Yavne and is moderately evacuated by MDA to Kaplan Hospital.

06:30: Dozens of rockets were fired towards Tel Aviv, Holon, Rishon LeZion, Rehovot, Kiryat Gat, Be’er Sheva, and settlements near the Gaza Strip. The IDF announced after the rocket fire that the events are under investigation – the IDF is now preparing a response.

Videos from Ashkelon show a car on fire, presumably from a rocket that landed nearby. Additional videos display Iron Dome interceptions from various areas across the country.