Toba Owojaiye Reporting
Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has launched a major rocket offensive against Israel, coinciding with an infiltration into southern Israeli territory.
Mohammad Deif, a high-ranking Hamas military commander, announced this operation through Hamas media, calling on Palestinians worldwide to join the fight.
Deif declared it as the “greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth” and disclosed that they had fired a remarkable 5,000 rockets as part of this offensive.
The deafening roar of rockets filled the skies over Gaza, and sirens blared as far north as Tel Aviv, nearly 70 kilometers away, during a sustained early morning attack.
Tragically, an Israeli woman lost her life, and there were reports of gunmen firing on civilians in southern Israel’s town of Sderot, along with social media footage depicting street clashes.
The Israeli military acknowledged the infiltration of terrorists from Gaza into Israeli territory and instructed residents near the Gaza Strip to stay indoors. They pledged to protect Israeli civilians and warned of severe consequences for Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced plans to convene with top security officials.
In Gaza, rocket launches continued, with reports of armed confrontations near the separation fence with Israel, particularly near Khan Younis in the south.
Observers noted significant movements of armed fighters. In response, Israel conducted strikes within the Gaza Strip, activating anti-rocket defense systems, resulting in audible explosions.
This audacious attack on Jerusalem represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, heightening tensions in the region, according to Israel.