Palestinian ruling group Hamas launched an unprecedented military operation against Israel, infiltrating Israeli residential areas from sea, land, and air. The audacious attack has put Israel on high alert, with the Israeli government declaring a “state of readiness” for war.
Early Saturday morning, dozens of Hamas fighters conducted raids on Israeli bases in the region, catching Israeli security forces off guard. Reports indicate that Hamas fighters have taken 35 Israelis hostage in the wake of these incursions, TRT World reported.
Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas’ military wing, announced the commencement of what he referred to as “Operation Al Aqsa Storm.” In a recorded message, Deif called on Palestinians from east Jerusalem to northern Israel to join the fight, urging them to “expel the occupiers and demolish the walls.” He also claimed that Hamas had fired over 5,000 rockets into Israel as part of their operation.
This attack follows a recent incident in the occupied West Bank town of Huwara, where a Palestinian was killed during clashes with illegal Israeli settlers. The situation escalated during the funeral, resulting in nine others being hospitalized.
The rocket fire from the besieged Palestinian enclave came from multiple locations, beginning at 06:30 am local time and continuing for nearly half an hour. Explosions could be heard in cities around Tel Aviv and outside occupied Jerusalem, leading the Israeli army to issue sirens across the country’s south, while the police urged the public to seek shelter.
Israel has imposed a crippling blockade on Gaza since 2007, which has taken a devastating toll on the territory’s economy. The Palestinian population has repeatedly labeled the blockade as a form of collective punishment.
In response to the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement indicating that he will convene top security officials in the coming hours. The Israeli military has confirmed that Palestinian fighters infiltrated Israel from sea, land, and air from blockaded Gaza and has urged civilians to stay indoors. Strikes on targets in besieged Gaza have already begun, and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has approved the call-up of military reservists as the fighting continues.
The surging death toll has left at least five people dead and 15 others injured in the Gaza rocket attack, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority. A woman in her 60s was killed “due to a direct hit,” and 15 individuals were injured in southern Israel as dozens of rockets were fired from the blockaded enclave, as stated by emergency services.
The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides preparing for a potentially devastating escalation in hostilities, raising concerns about the broader regional stability and the impact on civilian populations on both sides of the conflict.
