KSA 'closely following developments' in Israelafter the Hamas attack.

ISLAMABAD -- The Kingdom ofSaudi Arabia (KSA) said on Saturdayit was closely following the develop ments taking place in Israel afterHamas launched an unprecendetedattack into the country earlier in theday.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, alocal news daily Okaz quoted theMinistry of Foreign Affairs as statingthat, "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabiais closely following developments inthe unprecedented situation betweena number of Palestinian factions andthe Israeli occupation forces, whichhas resulted in a high level of vio lence taking place on a number offronts there."

The Palestinian resistance movementHamas launched the biggest attack on Israel in years on Saturday in a surprise assault that combinedgunmen crossing the border with a heavy barrage of rockets firedfrom the Gaza Strip.Israel said the group had declared war as its army confirmed fight ing with militants in several Israeli towns and military bases nearGaza and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate.At least 22 Israelis were killed in the attack so far with more than250 wounded, Israel's ambulance service said, but added that thetoll was expected to rise.

The Israeli military said it had launched air strikes into Gaza,where witnesses reported hearing heavy explosions, with at leasttwo dead.Israeli media reported gunbattles between bands of Palestinianfighters and security forces in towns in southern Israel. Israel'spolice chief said there were "21 active scenes" in southern Israel,indicating the extent of the attack.

Hamas' attack comes in the backdrop of some Muslim countries,including KSA, normalising ties with Israel, with US' support...