Israel has declared a ‘state of war’ following a significant rocket attack from the Gaza Strip, described by Palestine’s Hamas soldiers as their “first strike.” Over 5,000 rockets were launched toward Israel on a festive holiday morning, accompanied by blaring sirens across the country.
Israel’s defense forces also raised concerns about an alleged infiltration by Hamas soldiers, whom Israel considers terrorists. Visuals from Israel showed the use of paragliders in the attack.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced plans to convene a meeting of security chiefs, and the government asserted that Hamas would pay a heavy price for its actions.
This escalation in violence represents a significant development in geopolitics, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Reports from Al Jazeera indicated that rocket attacks were ongoing, with rockets being fired “very intensely” from the Gaza Strip toward Israel. There were reports of Israeli soldiers being killed and Palestinian fighters celebrating around Israeli military vehicles set on fire. A video also showed two Israeli soldiers being captured, with ongoing confrontations reported within Israeli towns.
Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog acknowledged that Israel was facing a very challenging moment due to the attacks from Gaza. He expressed support for the army and rescue services and sent encouragement to all residents of Israel who were under attack, stating that Israel could overcome those who wished harm.
This incident marked the most serious attack on Israel in years, with armed groups crossing the border from the Gaza Strip and launching a heavy barrage of rockets. Warning sirens sounded across southern and central Israel, including in Jerusalem, prompting Israel’s military to go on a war footing, and Netanyahu called for an emergency meeting of security officials.
The situation included gun battles between Palestinian fighters and Israeli forces in southern Israeli towns, as reported by Israeli media. Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif announced the start of the operation and called on Palestinians everywhere to fight, stating that it was the “day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth” and that 5,000 rockets had been launched.
Emergency services reported one Israeli woman killed, and the Israeli military confirmed that its forces were operating inside Gaza without providing details. They also mentioned that “a number of terrorists have infiltrated into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip,” and residents in the area around the Gaza Strip were advised to stay in their homes.
Reports from Israeli media indicated that gunmen had opened fire on passers-by in the town of Sderot in southern Israel, and social media footage suggested clashes in city streets and gunmen in jeeps in the countryside.
Palestinian media reported that several Israelis had been taken captive by fighters, and Hamas media circulated video footage apparently showing a destroyed Israeli tank. In Gaza, the sound of rocket launches could be heard, and there were reports of armed clashes along the separation fence with Israel near the southern town of Khan Younis, with significant movement of armed fighters reported.
Israel’s ambulance service dispatched teams to areas in southern Israel near Gaza, and residents were warned to stay indoors.
