In a dramatic turn of events on Saturday, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a significant assault on Israel, marking one of the most severe escalations since the 2021 conflict between Israel and Hamas. This surprise attack combined armed gunmen crossing the border with a relentless barrage of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip.
As warning sirens blared across southern and central Israel, including in Jerusalem, the Israeli military swiftly moved into a war footing. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urgently convened a meeting with top security officials.
Reportedly, Hamas militants made an unprecedented infiltration into Israel from Gaza, engaging in a gun battle with security forces in towns in southern Israel. Meanwhile, in Gaza, residents hurried to stock up on supplies, anticipating days of conflict.
Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif announced the operation in a broadcast on Hamas media, urging Palestinians everywhere to join the fight. He declared, “This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth,” and revealed that they had launched a staggering 5,000 rockets.
Tragically, one Israeli woman lost her life, according to emergency services. Ambulance crews were dispatched to areas around the Gaza Strip, and the Israeli military confirmed their forces were operating inside Gaza.
The military issued a statement saying, “A number of terrorists have infiltrated into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip.” They advised residents in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip to remain in their homes.
Reports emerged of gunmen firing on passersby in the town of Sderot in southern Israel. Additionally, footage circulating on social media indicated clashes in city streets, along with gunmen in jeeps patrolling the countryside.
Palestinian media reported that a number of Israelis had been taken captive by fighters. Hamas media circulated video footage apparently showing a destroyed Israeli tank. While the Israeli military acknowledged the reports of captives, no further details were provided.
Netanyahu’s office announced that he would meet with top security officials in the coming hours. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant also authorized the call-up of reservists.
In Gaza, the roar of rocket launches echoed, and residents reported armed clashes along the separation fence with Israel, near the southern town of Khan Younis. Israel’s ambulance service dispatched teams to areas in southern Israel near Gaza, cautioning residents to stay inside.
A group representing military reservists, who had planned to refuse training due to objections over the government’s plans to overhaul the judiciary, called on reservists to report for duty.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group declared that its fighters were joining Hamas in the attack, emphasizing their solidarity until victory is achieved. Palestinians in Gaza expressed astonishment at the infiltration into Israel, with one shopkeeper remarking, “It is like a dream. I still can’t believe it, fighters inside our occupied land?”
The attack occurred a day after Israel commemorated the 50th anniversary of the 1973 war, which brought the country to the brink of a catastrophic defeat in a surprise attack by Syria and Egypt.
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