In a shocking turn of events on Saturday, the Palestinian group Hamas launched an onslaught of 5,000 rockets into Israel from Gaza. This was followed by armed militants infiltrating areas in the southern part of the country, heralding the commencement of “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood”.
Mohammad Deif, a senior Hamas military commander, made the announcement about the operation in a broadcast on Hamas media. He called on Palestinians worldwide to join the fight, as reported by Reuters. He emphasized, “This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth,” and mentioned that they had launched 5,000 rockets.
As per the Magen David Adom emergency services, one Israeli woman tragically lost her life “due to a direct hit” while ambulance crews were dispatched to areas around the Gaza Strip. Sirens blared across Israel, including in Jerusalem. Moreover, 15 others were reported injured, with two in serious condition, according to information from medics, as cited by AFP.
Israeli media outlets reported that gunmen had opened fire on passersby in the town of Sderot in southern Israel. Footage circulating on social media seemed to depict clashes in city streets.
The military released a statement stating, “A number of terrorists have infiltrated into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip.” It added that residents in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip had been advised to remain in their homes. They affirmed, “The Israeli Defence Forces will defend Israeli civilians and the Hamas terrorist organisation will pay a heavy price for its actions.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that he would be meeting with top security officials in the coming hours.
In Gaza, the sounds of rocket launches reverberated, and residents reported armed confrontations along the separation fence with Israel, near the southern town of Khan Younis.
Israel’s ambulance service mentioned that teams had been dispatched to areas in southern Israel near Gaza, and residents were cautioned to stay indoors.
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