The major escalation between the Israeli Army and the Palestinian movement Hamas that took Israelis by surprise in the early hours of Saturday morning may have gone unnoticed by the intelligence services of Benjamin Netanyahu's government, but it was a disaster in waiting.
However, the armed conflict between the two parties has been ongoing since 1987. The conflict originated when Hamas first took a stand against the Israeli occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, resorting to armed conflict.
Ever since its establishment as a branch of the Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine, Hamas has remained unwavering in its dedication to armed resistance against Israel. Numerous countries have officially labeled it as a terrorist organisation.
Many other countries, however, designate only the military wing of Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
Several security experts believe that Saturday's Hamas attack on Israel was highly organised and a well-kept secret that could not be detected by the country's professional security teams.
Israel, soon after the attack, said that the country was at war, and it would be a "long and difficult" one.
Hundreds of people have been killed on both sides since the attack took place.
Following their invasion into the country by demolishing border fences at different locations, the militants not only held Israeli soldiers and civilians hostage but also suffered the consequences when the Israeli air force swiftly struck back with retaliatory measures.
According to reports from the Israeli military, there are still militants who remain hidden in different border areas and are being actively pursued.
The sudden attack launched by Hamas militants caught Israel off guard, causing widespread speculation about the country's highly regarded intelligence network. Many are now questioning how it could have overlooked the extensive preparations for this significant attack.
The recent onslaught by the Palestinian militant group represents the most significant assault on Israel in decades, as they unleashed a barrage of hundreds of rockets within a matter of minutes.
Netanyahu warned Hamas, which rules Gaza, that it would pay an "unprecedented price" for attacking his country.
Several countries, such the US, the UK, and India, swiftly denounced the attack and demonstrated unwavering support for Israel.
Russia has called on the Palestinian and Israeli sides to implement an immediate ceasefire.
"We call on the Palestinian and Israeli sides to implement an immediate ceasefire, renounce violence, exercise the necessary restraint and establish, with the assistance of the international community, a negotiation process aimed at establishing a comprehensive, lasting and long-awaited peace in the Middle East," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated.
America vowed its "rock-solid and unwavering" support for Israel with President Joe Biden saying: "The US stands with Israel. We will not ever fail to have their back. We will make sure that they have the help their citizens need, and they can continue to defend themselves."
In an official statement, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt solidarity with the innocent people of Israel, assuring them of his prayers and support.
"Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour," he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, soon after the news broke out.
Similar sentiments were expressed by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak:
"I am shocked by this morning's attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens. Israel has an absolute right to defend itself. We're in contact with Israeli authorities, and British nationals in Israel should follow travel advice.''
Countries around the world have also issued travel advisories to their citizens in light of the ongoing attacks.
Sri Lanka, among other countries, has also expressed concerns over the attack:
"Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the attacks and escalation of violence and the resulting loss of life in Israel and Palestine," its Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
The Indian authorities are in contact with Israeli officials to ensure the safety of Indians in the country.