Militants enter Israel from Gaza as Hamas reports a significant rocket launch

Since the Hamas incursion, at least 40 people have died and 779 have been injured.

from Jerusalem's Amir Tal on CNN

Since Hamas launched its early-Saturday morning surprise strike on Israel, at least 40 people have died, according to the nation's emergency service.

The Israeli Health Ministry reports that there have been an additional 779 injuries.

Video of what the IDF claims are aerial attacks on Hamas targets in Gaza is released.

Ibrahim Dahman in Gaza and Stephanie Halasz in London report for CNN.

Video purportedly documenting recent airstrikes on Hamas in Gaza has been made public by the Israel Defense Forces.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) published aerial footage of the missile attacks, which shows the strikes' massive explosions. What appears to be a power line and numerous people running are among the targets.

Israeli airplanes could be heard roaring within Gaza, followed by thunderous explosions and billowing clouds of black smoke.

in Saturday, few cars and people could be found in Gaza's streets. People had gathered in stores, bakeries, and gas stations, leaving the streets deserted.

Israel wants to "exact a huge price" from Hamas in retaliation for its incursion on Saturday.

Israel's response to the Saturday incursion by Hamas, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, should "exact a huge price" from the terrorist organization.

Netanyahu said the following at the start of a political-security cabinet meeting:

"The State of Israel has been at war since this morning. Our first priority is to rid the region of enemy soldiers that have snuck in while also reestablishing safety and tranquility in the communities that were attacked.

The second objective is to simultaneously extract a heavy price from the adversary in the Gaza Strip. The final objective is to strengthen other arenas to prevent anyone from making the error of entering this conflict.

We are at war, and you are at war.

US officials are alarmed as they watch the violence in Israel escalate.

from Kevin Liptak of CNN

American officials are monitoring the massive attack from Gaza on Israel with anxiety as they try to make sense of the escalating conflict.

"I strongly condemn Hamas terrorists' indiscriminate missile attacks on Israeli people. The top American ambassador in Israel, Stephanie Hallett, posted on social media that she was in contact with Israeli authorities and that she "fully supports Israel's right to defend itself against such terrorist acts."

Israel's right to self-defense has long been supported by US President Joe Biden, who last spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netayanhu during a meeting in September. Biden was expected to closely monitor the crisis throughout the day.

However, the violent eruption occurs at a very delicate time.

This agreement, which would change the area but is also anticipated to contain some type of concessions to the Palestinians, who have been watching the talks with worry, has been the focus of months of work by top Biden officials.

This agreement is currently in jeopardy due to the Gazan rocket fire and Netanyahu's "we are at war" announcement.

The deal's general outline had been essentially worked out, but there were still some unresolved issues, and US officials indicated that there was still much work to be done before it was concluded.

One of the biggest regional supporters of the Palestinian cause in the past has been Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, Biden and Netanyahu's relationship today is different from how it was during the most recent significant escalation of hostilities.

Additionally, it involved intense, round-the-clock behind-the-scenes diplomacy to persuade regional players, such as the governments of Egypt and Qatar, to assist in brokering a final ceasefire.

Since then, tensions between the two leaders have arisen, primarily as a result of choices made by Netanyahu and his far-right government coalition.

Their first face-to-face encounter since Netanyahu retook office earlier this year was during Biden's meeting with Netanyahu in September on the margins of the UN conference. In the upcoming months, he is anticipated to pay the White House a visit.

what the world is saying about the violence in Israel

The sudden attack on Israel by Hamas on Saturday morning has sparked reactions from world leaders. As was the case during other wars, many are urging prudence and calm.

What is being said in the Middle East is as follows:

Egypt: Frequently acting as a middleman between the warring parties, Egypt is already attempting to put an end to the bloodshed. In order to "halt the ongoing escalation," Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said he is in "intensive" conversation with colleagues and foreign officials, the ministry stated in a statement.

Turkey: Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on "the parties to act with restraint in light of the events in Israel this morning and to stay calm" while speaking at a political conference.

Saudi Arabia: The country declared that it is closely monitoring the "unprecedented" situation and urged "both sides to immediately stop the escalation." According to a statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry, this is a continuation of its "previous repetitive warnings of the dangers of the situation blowing up as a result of the continuing occupation and depriving the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights."

Iran: According to Iranian state-run ISNA, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed support for the Palestinian militant attack on Israelis on Saturday.

Here is how representatives of the European Union responded:

Ursula von der Leyen: The European Commission President stated that she "unequivocally" condemned the attack on X, formerly known as Twitter. It is terrorism in its most heinous manifestation.

The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, also denounced the "indiscriminate attacks launched against Israel and its people this morning inflicting terror and violence against innocent citizens. All of the victims are in my thoughts. EU supports the Israeli people during this terrible time.

What some European politicians have to say about X:

"I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks that are currently affecting Israel," said French President Emmanuel Macron. I publicly convey my unwavering support for the victims, as well as their families and loved ones.

Olaf Scholz, chancellor of Germany, said: "Shocking news has come to us today from Israel. We are gravely shocked by the rocket fire coming from Gaza and the rising violence. Germany supports Israel and denounces these Hamas attacks.

Rishi Sunak, prime minister of the UK: "I am horrified by the attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli residents this morning. Israel has the unalienable right to self-defense. British nationals in Israel should heed travel guidance, according to our communication with Israeli officials.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon: "Appalling sights. The terrorist group Hamas is mounting an unprecedented offensive against Israel. Terrorists are attacking defenseless individuals. Israel is entirely within its rights to protect itself, so the bloodshed must cease.

Input from Russia and Ukraine:

Both sides of the conflict in Ukraine have made statements.

Mikhail ogdanov, deputy foreign minister of Russia and Middle East envoy, stated to RIA Novosti on Saturday that Russia is in communication with both Israeli and Palestinian officials and demands an immediate ceasefire from all parties.

According to a statement by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ukraine "strongly condemns the ongoing terrorist attacks against Israel, including rocket attacks against the civilian population in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv."

"We express our support for Israel in its right to defend itself and its people," it continued.

Israeli society as it appears on the ground

Images from all throughout Israel demonstrate how the Saturday morning Gazan attack has drastically changed life in Israel, even as far north as Tel Aviv.