Israel Declares State of War — Operation Swords of Iron

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes an emergency security cabinet meeting and declares a state of war. Israel launches Operation Swords of Iron (Mivtza Charvot Barzel), commencing intensive airstrikes across the Gaza Strip targeting Hamas military infrastructure. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant orders a 'complete siege' of Gaza: 'no electricity, no food, no water, no gas.'