The U.S. embassy in Israel has issued a warning to American citizens, urging them to “take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness,” following a massive attack on southern and central Israel by Hamas forces.

Hamas said it fired 5,000 rockets at targets across Israel, including Tel Aviv, while dozens of gunmen from the group infiltrated across the border to conduct attacks. Newsweek has been unable to verify this. Footage posted on social media appears to show multiple dead Israeli soldiers and civilians, while Hamas has released video footage, which it claims shows a number of Israeli soldiers who have been captured by its gunmen.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz released a statement accusing “Iran-controlled Hamas terrorists” of launching “a literal war against Israel.”

People try to extinguish fire on cars following a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip in Ashkelon, southern Israel, on October 7, 2023. The U.S. Embassy to Israel has released a warning urging American citizens to “take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.”
AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP/GETTY

In a security update, the U.S. Embassy to Israel, in Jerusalem, said: “The U.S. Embassy is closely monitoring the security situation as a result of rockets fired from Gaza across southern and central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and the infiltration of Hamas militants.

“The U.S. Embassy is aware that there have been casualties as a result of these incidents. U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire, often take place without warning.

“U.S. Embassy personnel are currently sheltering in place. U.S. government personnel continue to be prohibited from travel to Gaza and areas within seven (7) miles of Gaza,” the security update added.

This is breaking news. More information will be added as it comes in.