‘Unprecedented’: Central Florida reacts to deadly Hamas attacks in Israel
The Hamas attack on Israel GAZA CITY, GAZA - OCTOBER 7: A bicycle was targeted and two young Palestinian militants were killed near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel on October 7, 2023 in Gaza City, Gaza. The Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a missile attack on Israel today, with fighters simultaneously crossing the border from Gaza. Israel has declared a state of war. (Photo By Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images) (Getty Images/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, Fla. — Hamas militants fired thousands of rockets and sent dozens of fighters into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip in an unprecedented surprise early morning attack during a major Jewish holiday Saturday, killing dozens and stunning the country.
Israel’s national rescue service said at least 100 people were killed and hundreds wounded, making it the deadliest attack in Israel in years. An unknown number of Israeli soldiers and civilians were also seized and taken into Gaza
President Joe Biden released a statement Saturday morning in response to the attacks on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Today, I spoke with (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) about the appalling Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. I offered our support and reiterated my unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. (First lady Jill Biden) and I express our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones.”
Several Central Florida law enforcement and political officials have also spoken out in response to the attacks.
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried released a statement pledging support for Israel.
“I am deeply shaken and saddened by the news of Hamas attacks on Gaza killing hundreds of Israeli citizens and wounding many more,” Fried’s statement said, in part. “This unprovoked and unprecedented attack on Israel is an act of terrorism that must be condemned by every nation around the world.”
Florida Governor and 2024 Republican Presidential candidate Ron DeSantis issued a response to the attacks during a campaign stop in Iowa Saturday morning.
“We stand with the state of Israel who is undergoing terrorist attacks by Iranian-backed Hamas,” DeSantis said. “Israel not only has the right to defend themselves against Hamas, they have the responsibility to defend themselves with overwhelming force. We will stand by them when they do.”
Law enforcement agencies in Central Florida are also responding to the attack. In Orange County, Sheriff John Mina says his department will increase their presence and patrols in areas near Orange County synagogues and Jewish facilities as a precaution due to the “horrific” attacks on Israel.
Flagler Sheriff Rick Staley also released a statement in support of the county’s Jewish community. Staley says he’s also directed his deputies to increase their patrols near Flagler County synagogues to help make sure people feel safe.
This story is developing. Please stay with WFTV as more information comes into our newsroom.
The Hamas attack on Israel A bicycle was targeted and two young Palestinian militants were killed near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel on October 7, 2023 in Gaza City, Gaza. The Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a missile attack on Israel today, with fighters simultaneously crossing the border from Gaza. Israel has declared a state of war. (Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Hamas attack on Israel A general view of damage caused by Israeli air strikes on October 7, 2023 in Gaza City, Gaza. The Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a missile attack on Israel today, with fighters simultaneously crossing the border from Gaza. Israel has declared a state of war. (Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Hamas attack on Israel A general view of damage caused by Israeli air strikes on October 7, 2023 in Gaza City, Gaza. The Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a missile attack on Israel today, with fighters simultaneously crossing the border from Gaza. Israel has declared a state of war. (Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Hamas attack on Israel A general view of damage caused by Israeli air strikes on October 7, 2023 in Gaza City, Gaza. The Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a missile attack on Israel today, with fighters simultaneously crossing the border from Gaza. Israel has declared a state of war. (Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Hamas attack on Israel A paramedic helps an injured man near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel on October 7, 2023, in Gaza City, Gaza. The Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a missile attack on Israel today, with fighters simultaneously crossing the border from Gaza. Israel has declared a state of war. (Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Hamas attack on Israel Palestinian citizens stand near an Israeli enclave seized from the Israeli occupation near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel on October 7, 2023, in Gaza City, Gaza. The Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a missile attack on Israel today, with fighters simultaneously crossing the border from Gaza. Israel has declared a state of war. (Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Hamas attack on Israel A young man carries an injured man on his bicycle near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel on October 7, 2023 in Gaza City, Gaza. The Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a missile attack on Israel today, with fighters simultaneously crossing the border from Gaza. Israel has declared a state of war. (Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Hamas attack on Israel Palestinians celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip fence east of Khan Younis on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. The militant Hamas rulers of 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. (Hassan Eslaiah/AP)
The Hamas attack Israel Cars are on fire after they were hit by rockets from the Gaza Strip in Ashkelon, Israel, on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip infiltrated Saturday into southern Israel and fired thousands of rockets into the country while Israel began striking targets in Gaza in response. (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)
The Hamas attack Israel A rocket from the Gaza Strip struck a street in Ashkelon, Israel, on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip infiltrated Saturday into southern Israel and fired thousands of rockets into the country while Israel began striking targets in Gaza in response. (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)
The Hamas attack Israel: Palestinians wave their national flag and celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip fence east of Khan Younis southern Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. The militant Hamas rulers of 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. (Yousef Masoud/AP)
The Hamas attack Israel: Palestinian militants drive back to the Gaza Strip with the body of an Israeli soldier on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. The militant Hamas rulers of 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. (Ali Mahmud/AP)
The Hamas attack Israel: Palestinians wave their national flag and celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip fence east of Khan Younis southern Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. The militant Hamas rulers of 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. (Yousef Masoud/AP)
The Hamas attack Israel: Cars are on fire after they were hit by rockets from the Gaza Strip in Ashkelon, Israel, on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip infiltrated Saturday into southern Israel and fired thousands of rockets into the country while Israel began striking targets in Gaza in response. (Ohad Zwigenberg)
The Hamas attack Israel: Cars are on fire after they were hit by rockets from the Gaza Strip in Ashkelon, Israel, on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip infiltrated Saturday into southern Israel and fired thousands of rockets into the country while Israel began striking targets in Gaza in response. (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)
The Hamas attack Israel: A column of smoke rises from the south of Israel on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip infiltrated Saturday into southern Israel and fired thousands of rockets into the country while Israel began striking targets in Gaza in response. (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)
The Hamas attack Israel: Residents look at damage after a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip in Ashkelon, Israel, on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip infiltrated Saturday into southern Israel and fired thousands of rockets into the country while Israel began striking targets in Gaza in response. (Ohad Zwigenberg)
The Hamas attack Israel: Cars are on fire after they were hit by rockets from the Gaza Strip in Ashkelon, Israel, on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip infiltrated Saturday into southern Israel and fired thousands of rockets into the country while Israel began striking targets in Gaza in response. (Ohad Zwigenberg)
The Hamas attack Israel: Rockets are fired toward Israel from the Gaza Strip, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. The rockets were fired as Hamas announced a new operation against Israel. (Fatima Shbair)
The Hamas attack Israel: A column of smoke rises from the south of Israel on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip infiltrated Saturday into southern Israel and fired thousands of rockets into the country while Israel began striking targets in Gaza in response. (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)
The Hamas attack Israel: Israeli soldiers head south near Ashkelon, Israel, Israel, on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip infiltrated Saturday into southern Israel and fired thousands of rockets into the country while Israel began striking targets in Gaza in response. (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)
Israel attacks Hamas: A building was damaged after being hit by a rocket fired from Gaza strip on Saturday in Tel Aviv. (Amir Levy/Getty Images)
The Hamas attacks Israel: Israeli security forces work at the scene where a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a building on Saturday in Tel Aviv. (Amir Levy/Getty Images)
The Hamas attacks Israel: A man passes the scene where a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a building in Tel Aviv. (Amir Levy/Getty Images)
The Hamas attacks Israel: Smoke and flames rise on the Gaza Strip after being attacked by Israeli forces on Sunday. (Anadolu Agency/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
The Hamas attacks Israel: Palestinians fire rockets in response to Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Sunday. (Anadolu Agency/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
The Hamas attacks Israel: Smoke and flames rise after Israeli forces strike targets in the Gaza Strip on Sunday. (Anadolu Agency/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
The Hamas attack on Israel Palestinian citizens inspect damage to their homes caused by Israeli airstrikes on October 08, 2023 in Gaza City, Gaza. After the attack launched by Hamas on Israel yesterday, which surprised them, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the Palestinians to leave Gaza, and warned that the army would turn Hamas positions “into rubble.” (Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Hamas attack on Israel Palestinian citizens inspect damage to their homes caused by Israeli airstrikes on October 08, 2023 in Gaza City, Gaza. After the attack launched by Hamas on Israel yesterday, which surprised them, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the Palestinians to leave Gaza, and warned that the army would turn Hamas positions “into rubble.” (Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Hamas attack on Israel Palestinian citizens inspect damage to their homes caused by Israeli airstrikes on October 08, 2023 in Gaza City, Gaza. After the attack launched by Hamas on Israel yesterday, which surprised them, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the Palestinians to leave Gaza, and warned that the army would turn Hamas positions “into rubble.” (Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Hamas attack on Israel Palestinian citizens inspect damage to their homes caused by Israeli airstrikes on October 08, 2023 in Gaza City, Gaza. After the attack launched by Hamas on Israel yesterday, which surprised them, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the Palestinians to leave Gaza, and warned that the army would turn Hamas positions “into rubble.” (Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Hamas attack on Israel Israeli rescue members work at a police station that was destroyed after a battle between Israeli troops and Hamas militants on October 8, 2023 in Sderot, Israel. On Saturday, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched the largest surprise attack from Gaza in a generation, sending thousands of missiles and an unknown number of fighters by land, who shot and kidnapped Israelis in communities near the Gaza border. The attack prompted retaliatory strikes on Gaza and a declaration of war by the Israeli prime minister. (Amir Levy/Getty Images)
The Hamas attack on Israel Rockets were fired towards Israel on October 8, 2023 at Gaza City, Gaza. After the attack launched by Hamas on Israel yesterday, which surprised them, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the Palestinians to leave Gaza, and warned that the army would turn Hamas positions “into rubble.” (Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Hamas attack on Israel Israeli rescue members work at a police station that was destroyed after a battle between Israeli troops and Hamas militants on October 8, 2023 in Sderot, Israel. On Saturday, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched the largest surprise attack from Gaza in a generation, sending thousands of missiles and an unknown number of fighters by land, who shot and kidnapped Israelis in communities near the Gaza border. The attack prompted retaliatory strikes on Gaza and a declaration of war by the Israeli prime minister. (Amir Levy/Getty Images)
The Hamas attack Israel Palestinian citizens inspect damage to their homes caused by Israeli airstrikes on Sunday in Gaza City, Gaza. (Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Hamas attack Israel: Palestinian citizens inspect damage to their homes after Israel retaliated with airstrikes on Sunday in Gaza City, Gaza. (Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Hamas attack Israel: Palestinian citizens inspect damage to their homes and business after Sunday's airstrikes by Israel in the Gaza Strip. (Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Hamas attack Israel: Israeli airstrikes caused extensive damage in Gaza City on Sunday. (Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Hamas attack Israel: Fire and smoke rise above buildings in Gaza City during an Israeli air strike on Sunday. (MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images)
The Hamas attack Israel: A missile explodes in Gaza City during an Israeli airstrike on Sunday. (MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images)
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