As Israel marked this sombre anniversary, Hamas attempted another rocket attack on Monday, but Israeli forces intercepted, preventing major damage….reports Asian Lite News
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant commemorated the one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack, labelling the group as “satanic killers.”
The attack, which occurred during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. It led to the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of over 100 hostages by Hamas.
In a post on X, Gallant described the past year as one of “hard and continuous war,” as Israel continues its efforts to bring hostages home and defend the nation.
“A flourishing and prosperous region was harmed by satanic killers with only one thing in their eyes – the destruction and destruction of Israel,” he said.
Israel has consistently pushed for the release of these hostages, emphasising that the world must remember the atrocities committed during the October 7 massacre.
Gallant assured that it is his duty “to do everything to return the abducted home, support the wounded in body and soul, and remember the fallen and the story of their lives and deaths, the story of our just war.”
He emphasised the resolve of Israeli forces, stating, “We will continue as long as it takes until we achieve our goals,” reflecting the ongoing battle against Hamas. He also expressed hope for the recovery and rebuilding of affected areas in Israel.
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Hamas fires rockets
As Israel marked this sombre anniversary, Hamas attempted another rocket attack on Monday, but Israeli forces intercepted the threat, preventing major damage.
However, four rockets were launched, with three intercepted and one landing in an open area.
Ahead of the anniversary, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) set up an exhibition displaying items captured from Hamas militants, including vehicles, weapons, and intelligence findings used in the attack.
The exhibition, intended to expose the militants’ methods to the world, will continue throughout the week, with diplomats, international researchers, and foreign reporters expected to visit.
According to the IDF, about 70,000 pieces of loot, including anti-tank missiles, RPGs, charges, and unmanned aerial vehicles, have been confiscated since the fighting began as part of the effort led by reservists in the loot removal unit.
Hamas ex-leader assures victory
Hamas’ former leader Khaled Mashaal said what is happening in Gaza is a “holocaust” in a speech he delivered on Monday morning.
Mashaal said the Oct. 7. attacks happened because all political horizons were closed and has achieved “strategic results” since. Arab News reported.
He thanked Hezbollah, the Houthis and Iran for supporting Hamas and called on Arab countries to provide financial support to Gaza.
Mashaal said Israel opened the war front in Lebanon after failing to achieve its goals in Gaza and claimed that Israel is conspiring against Jordan and Egypt.
A year after Oct. 7, Israel has opened a new front in Lebanon against Hezbollah, which has traded fire with Israel since the war in Gaza began.
“Israel is defeated although it has achieved accomplishments against Iran and Hezbollah,” added Mashaal.
Mashaal concluded by asking the people of Gaza not to despair and promised them victory soon, it was reported
Lebanon raids continue
The Israeli military said Sunday that its Air Force in northern Israel’s Western Galilee region has intercepted “numerous” explosive drones fired from Lebanon into Israeli territory.
The military stated in a release that it has also intercepted two surface-to-surface missiles launched from Lebanon towards the Carmel and Haifa areas in northern Israel, as well as most of the 25 rockets from Lebanon targeting Western Galilee.
The remaining rockets aimed at Western Galilee landed in open areas, with no injuries reported, it noted.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed in a statement that it attacked a maintenance and rehabilitation base south of Haifa on Sunday afternoon with “a squadron of attack drones,” accurately hitting its targets.
The militant group stated that the attack was carried out to support the Palestinian people in Gaza, defend Lebanon and its citizens, and respond to “the barbaric Israeli invasion of cities, villages, and civilians.”
Also on Sunday, the Israeli military announced that its ground troops continued their campaign in southern Lebanon, accompanied by airstrikes from its Air Force, resulting in the deaths of 98 Hezbollah militants.
Israeli ground troops directed aerial strikes at Hezbollah’s infrastructure and weapons storage facilities, while Israeli warplanes struck about 150 Hezbollah targets, including anti-tank missile launch posts, command centres, underground infrastructure, and additional weapons storage sites.
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