Israel declares state of war after surprise Hamas attack; regional concerns rise

PM Netanyahu announced Security Cabinet has formally declared Israel to be at war/ AFP

Israel has officially declared itself at war following an unexpected attack by Hamas fighters. Israeli soldiers are engaged in fierce street battles with Hamas militants in southern Israel, while airstrikes target Gaza, escalating tensions in the region, stated agency reports.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the Security Cabinet had formally declared the nation to be at war, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The declaration empowers the Israeli military to take substantial military actions in response to the ongoing crisis.

Meanwhile, in northern Israel, a brief exchange of strikes occurred with Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group, further heightening concerns of a broader and more volatile conflict.

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A report in the Associated Press stated German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed deep concern over the situation and emphasized the importance of preventing a wider conflagration in the Middle East. Scholz assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Germany's commitment to Israel's security and pledged support for Egyptian-led efforts to mediate and de-escalate the crisis. He also indicated plans to engage with the leaders of the US, France, and the UK to assess the situation.

Scholz strongly condemned Hamas' actions but underscored the necessity of avoiding a situation that could lead to a broader regional conflict. Germany has increased security measures to protect Jewish and Israeli facilities in light of the escalating tensions.

Additionally, Israeli political advisor Ali Shamkhani, who serves as an advisor to Iran's supreme leader, praised Hamas' actions, characterizing the attack as a legitimate defence against the Israeli government. He asserted that the Palestinian resistance movement garners significant public support and is an independent and mature entity.

Both Japan and South Korea condemned Hamas and other Palestinian militants for their incursion into Israel. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida strongly condemned the attacks, which resulted in harm to innocent civilians, and urged all parties to exercise restraint. South Korea's Foreign Ministry also condemned the indiscriminate attacks on Israel from Gaza and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

Japan and South Korea are taking measures to ensure the safety of their citizens in the region, with Japan expressing concern over reported abductions and South Korea urging its nationals to leave for their safety.