The ruling Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented, multi-front attack on Israel at daybreak Saturday, firing thousands of rockets as dozens of Hamas fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border in several locations by air, land and sea and catching the country off-guard on a major holiday.

Israel's national rescue service says the death toll has risen to 70 in the Hamas militant group's incursion in southern Israel, making it the deadliest attack in Israel in years.

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza says at least 198 people have been killed and at least 1,610 wounded in the territory in Israel's retaliation after a wide-ranging Hamas assault into Israel. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported injuries among "many citizens" without giving numbers and loudspeakers on mosques broadcast prayers of mourning for killed militants.

These events mark a major escalation in the fighting.

IMPACT TO VIRGINIA
 

The Virginia Fusion Center has received no threats to the commonwealth in relation to this escalation.  The VFC will continue to monitor the situation and provide any updates or resources relevant to the safety and security of our members.   

Please remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or behavior to the VFC via the link below.

SOURCES

• CBS NEWS - At least 70 killed in unprecedented Hamas attack in Israel; prime minister says country is "at war"
• CNN - Israel says it is 'at war' after Hamas surprise attack
• KCRA3 - Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza Strip stuns Israel and leaves dozens dead in fighting, retaliation
• LA TIMES - ‘We are at war,’ Israel’s Netanyahu says, after unprecedented surprise attack by Hamas