In a shocking escalation of hostilities, Palestinian fighters launched a large-scale attack on Israel, infiltrating southern Israeli territory and firing a barrage of rockets from the Gaza Strip. The assault, which began on Saturday morning, left at least one woman dead and 15 others wounded, according to Israeli medical sources. This marked the most significant confrontation between the two sides in years, with Palestinian fighters reportedly breaching Israeli territory amidst a relentless rocket onslaught. The situation has ignited intense tensions, prompting Israeli officials to declare a state of war alert and mobilize army reservists in response to the Hamas operation.
Rockets Rain Down on Israel
The rocket onslaught commenced at 06:30 am local time (03:30 GMT) on Saturday, with projectiles launched from various locations within the Gaza Strip. This sustained barrage persisted for nearly half an hour, leaving the residents of southern Israel scrambling for cover. The indiscriminate rocket fire caused chaos and fear among the Israeli population, leading to one tragic casualty and multiple injuries. Israeli authorities responded swiftly, instructing residents in areas surrounding the Gaza Strip to remain indoors, as they warned that Hamas would face a “heavy price” for its actions.
Hamas Announces “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm”
In a bold and provocative move, Mohammed Deif, a senior Hamas military commander, declared the initiation of a military operation named “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm” during a broadcast on Hamas media. His impassioned call for Palestinians worldwide to join the struggle against Israel signaled a dramatic escalation in tensions. Deif’s announcement came alongside the rocket attacks, emphasizing the coordinated nature of the operation. He boldly stated, “We’ve decided to say enough is enough,” and declared the day as the “greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth.” Reports suggested that a staggering 5,000 rockets had been launched in this audacious assault.
Escalating Tensions and International Response
The escalation of violence comes after weeks of mounting tensions along Israel’s volatile border with Gaza, as well as clashes in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. So far this year, at least 247 Palestinians have lost their lives at the hands of Israeli forces, while 32 Israelis and two foreign nationals have been killed in Palestinian attacks. The international community has been closely monitoring the situation, and Hamas issued a call on “the resistance fighters in the West Bank” and “our Arab and Islamic nations” to join the battle.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting with top security officials in response to the attack. Meanwhile, Saleh al-Arouri, an exiled Hamas leader, framed the operation as a response “to the crimes of the occupation,” asserting that Palestinian fighters were defending the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and fighting for the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
As Israel declared a state of war alert and mobilized army reservists, the situation remains highly volatile, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation in an already tense region. The element of surprise in this early morning attack, featuring Palestinian fighters infiltrating Israeli territory, firing rockets, and engaging in clashes, has left Israelis “shocked and stunned,” according to Al Jazeera’s Rob Reynolds, reporting from occupied East Jerusalem. The international community anxiously awaits developments and hopes for a swift resolution to the escalating crisis.
