Hamas militant group launches unprecedented operation against Israel with rockets and infiltration
On Saturday, the Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented infiltration in Israel. Thousands of rockets have been fired into the country. Sirens sounded across southern Israel which were also heard in the capital Tel Aviv.
Israel’s top-level security cabinet will hold a meeting at 1 p.m. amid the surprise Hamas attack. Before the meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will hold an assessment with security chiefs.
Palestinian militant group Hamas, which controls the besieged coastal enclave, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Hamas leader Mohammed al-Deif also announced the beginning of a new military operation the “Al-Aqsa Flood” against Israel. “Enough is enough,” he said in the recorded message, as he called on Palestinians to join the fight. He said Hamas had fired over 5,000 rockets into Israel.
Typical Hamas cowards hiding in Israeli civilian neighbourhoods to maximise casualties. Today is Shabbat so they know most people will be at home. They do this to their own people as well. pic.twitter.com/1AhQAskXmk
— Abhijit Iyer-Mitra (@Iyervval) October 7, 2023
The Israeli military confirmed an infiltration had occurred in several locations near the Gaza border in southern Israel. It ordered residents to remain indoors.
“The military declares a state of war alert,” it said in a statement. “In the last hour, the Hamas terrorist organization had begun a massive shooting of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory, and terrorists infiltrated into Israeli territory in a number of different locations.”
It said Hamas “will face the consequences and responsibility.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top security officials were convening for an emergency meeting.
The sound of outgoing rockets whooshing through the air could be heard in Gaza and sirens wailed as far away as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem during an early morning barrage that lasted for over two hours.
Rocket impact in Tel Aviv pic.twitter.com/u6CP0ha4Oh
— Abhijit Iyer-Mitra (@Iyervval) October 7, 2023
As the rocket attacks continued throughout southern and central Israel, millions of Israelis were instructed to stay near bomb shelters in their homes and apartment buildings. The army said residents next to Gaza should stay in their homes due to the “security incident.”
Israel has built a massive fence along the Gaza border meant to prevent infiltrations. It goes deep underground and is equipped with cameras, high-tech sensors, and sensitive listening technology. The infiltration marked a major accomplishment — and escalation — by Hamas.
[With Inputs from IANS]
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