Picture: for illustration purposes
Earlier today, Israeli medical workers reported an unprecedented attack from Palestinian fighters in Gaza leading to fatalities and injuries. One woman was confirmed dead and 15 others seriously injured when hundreds of rockets were launched from numerous sites across the Gaza Strip towards southern Israel. The attack commenced Saturday morning and continued without intermission for thirty frightening minutes.
Senior Hamas military commander, Mohammed Deif, proudly announced a widespread military operation during a broadcast, encouraging Palestinians to combat Israel. Deif christened this operation "Operation Al-Aqsa Storm"; a response to Israel's occupation and a call for Palestinian robust resistance.
In this major assault, Deif claimed 5,000 rockets were harnessed, marking the launch of "the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth," as he put it.
Israeli residents in the proximity of the Gaza Strip were promptly advised by their military to secure themselves indoors, remarking that Hamas’ actions would incur a heavy price. Israeli media informed of armed fighters caught firing at individuals in Sderot, a town in Southern Israel. Various video distribution platforms displayed clips of Palestinian fighters in uniform clashing with Israeli forces, whilst another exhibited a blazing Israeli tank. Verification of these videos remains underway.
Israeli Premier, Benjamin Netanyahu instantly convened a meeting with his top security officials. For many Israelis, the surprise element of the dawn attack employing Palestinian fighters on cargo trucks and paragliders would leave them shocked, says Al Jazeera’s Rob Reynolds.
The weekend's fighting comes off the back-end of escalating tensions between Israel and Gaza, leading to several casualties. Hamas, through a statement on Telegram, appealed to resistance fighters and Arab and Islamic nations to join the conflict. Hamas leader, Saleh al-Arouri, justified the operation as a counteraction to the crimes of occupation, aimed notably at safeguarding the Al-Aqsa Mosque and fighting for thousands of incarcerated Palestinians.
In response, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant initiated the mobilisation of army reserves earlier today, a defense ministry spokesperson confirmed. Israel's military also elevated its alert status to a state of war earlier today.