Israel has suffered an “enormous security failure” with attacks by Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip.
Defence expert Con Coughlin told GB News that Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces an “enormous challenge” after he stated “we are at war”.
The country’s military have begun their response by striking targets in Gaza after the attack which was branded “horrific” by UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
The Daily Telegraph’s defence editor Con Coughlin spoke on the “serious” action by Hamas, warning Israeli will be issuing a heavy-handed response.
“This is a very serious incursion by Hamas militants”, he said.
“You have to go back decades before you see this kind of scale of activity from them.
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“It is a very big security challenge for Israel. The Israel media is reporting that 35 Israelis have been taken hostage.
“This is an enormous security failure from the defence forces. I think you can expect a lot of Israeli military activity, targeting strongholds in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas caught Israel off-guard on Simchat Torah, a major holiday, with a show of force including the deployment of dozens of soldiers to the country’s heavily fortified border on Saturday.
The attack revived memories of the 1973 war almost 50 years to the day, in which Israel’s enemies launched a surprise attack on Yom Kippur.
Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza StripReutersCoughlin told GB News have been building for a long time, with Hamas seemingly taking an opportunity while Israel has its guard down.
“It seems as though the Hamas militants have caught Israel off their guard.
“They have been celebrating a festival. Having said that, tensions have been building for a long time, the whole peace process appears to have been frozen.
“Hamas, which is backed by Iran and others, has been waiting for an opportunity to put a marker down.”
A Palestinian boy reacts next to a burning Israeli vehicle that Palestinian gunmen brought to Gaza after they infiltrated areas of southern IsraelReutersUK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, writing on X, said: “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.”
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly wrote on social media: “The UK unequivocally condemns the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians.
“The UK will always support Israel’s right to defend itself.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “I utterly condemn the ongoing attacks on Israel and her citizens.
“There is no justification for this act of terror which is being perpetrated by those who seek to undermine any chance for future peace in the region.
“Israel has a right to defend herself.”
Israel has blockaded Gaza since Islamic militant group Hamas gained control of the territory in 2007 and the two have fought wars ever since.