Senator Cory Booker and his staff safely departed Israel on Sunday after being forced to shelter in place during a surprise attack by Hamas, according to a spokesperson for the senator. The attack, which involved thousands of rockets, resulted in the deaths of at least 600 Israelis and injured over 2,000 more. Booker had arrived in Israel on Friday for a series of planned meetings and to attend a summit on regional economic integration in Tel Aviv. He was scheduled to speak at the event on Tuesday.

In a statement, Booker condemned the "horrific acts of violence, kidnapping, and terror" carried out by Hamas, expressing solidarity with the people of Israel and the families affected by the attacks. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Booker's visit to Israel held significant importance in terms of diplomatic relations. However, the situation quickly escalated, leading to his need for shelter and eventual departure from the country.

Reports from the Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Herzog, suggested that Americans may have been taken hostage by Hamas militants. However, Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that these reports have not been verified and that efforts are underway to gather accurate information. Blinken also acknowledged the reports of Americans among the casualties and assured that the U.S. government is actively working to confirm those details.

The conflict in Israel has prompted several U.S.-based airlines to temporarily suspend flights to and from the international airport near Tel Aviv. This decision reflects the growing concerns over the escalating violence and the need to ensure the safety of travelers.

The situation in Israel remains tense as Israeli forces engage in hostage rescue operations and military officials vow to eliminate all terrorists within the country. The international community continues to closely monitor the developments in the region, hoping for a swift resolution to the violence and a restoration of peace.