Israel Declares War

Following unprecedented Hamas attack. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( October 9, 2023 Violence is raging in Israel and Palestine after an unprecedented attack by Hamas over the weekend. We've got [the latest updates](. For first-hand insight, don't miss my eye-opening conversation with Shayndi Raice, Wall Street Journal's deputy bureau chief for the Middle East and North Africa, about [the situation in Israel right now](. Thank you for waking up with us.   In the News [Israel Conflict]( Rockets fired from Gaza are intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome. (Getty Images) Israel Declares War Israel has declared war against Hamas following the group's deadly surprise attack that began over the weekend. [Here's more.]( What happened: On Saturday morning, Hamas launched a shock attack on Israel, firing thousands of rockets while militants broke through the border by land, sea, and air. Videos captured some of the horrors that unfolded on the ground, which included Hamas storming a festival, and slaughtering and capturing partygoers. According to the Israel Defense Forces, at least 700 Israelis have been killed, over 2,000 are wounded, and "a significant number" of civilians have been taken hostage. In response, Israel has launched airstrikes on Gaza, where at least 493 people have been killed and 2,751 are wounded, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Senior members of Israel's military have described the Hamas attack as "our 9/11." Earlier today, an Israeli colonel told reporters: “We thought by this morning we’d be in a better place.” [Here's more on the unfolding crisis — and how world leaders, including President Biden, have responded.]( How did this happen? That's the big question. I spoke with WSJ's Shayndi Raice, who's based in Tel Aviv, about how Israeli intelligence officials failed to foresee the Hamas assault, and [what it's like on the ground right now](. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fwhats-happening-in-israel%2F   More Stories [Two young Afghan children sit in ruins after earthquake ]( Getty Images Earthquake in Afghanistan: At least 2,445 people are reported dead and many more are injured after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Saturday. The quake decimated entire villages near the western city of Herat, reducing homes to rubble and overwhelming nearby hospitals. Aid agencies have warned that the knock-on effects will be particularly devastating in the context of a collapsed economy, severe droughts, and several decades of fierce conflict in the country. 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