Israel asserted that Hamas will pay heavy price for its actions.
Israel has declared a ‘state of war’ after a fierce rocket attack from the blockaded Gaza strip, in what Palestine’s Hamas militants said was only their “first strike”. Over 5,000 rockets pierced the sky towards Israel on a festive holiday morning as loud sires blared across the country.
The country’s defence forces also alleged an infiltration by Hamas militants, whom they consider terrorists. Paragliders were used in the attack and cars passing by were fired at on the roads, showed visuals from Israel.
“The Israel Defense Forces declares a state of readiness for war. There has been widespread rocket fire into Israeli territory from Gaza, and terrorists have infiltrated Israeli territory through various entry points,” said the military.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he will shortly convene a meeting of security chiefs. Hamas will pay heavy price for its actions, his government has asserted.
The latest violence marks another big escalation in geopolitics in recent years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Sirens are blazing in the holy city of Jerusalem and across Israel as multiple points of impact have been reported across southern and central parts of the country.
The armed wing of Hamas declared it has begun “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” and said it has fired over 5,000 rockets in the “first strike of 20 minutes.” “We decided to put an end to all the crimes of the occupation (Israel), their time for rampaging without being held accountable is over,” the group said.
An elderly Israeli woman was killed “due to a direct hit” in the rocket attacks and 15 others were injured, emergency services said. The government has asked civilians to stay near shelters and those near the Gaza strip to stay home.
“On Shabbat and the holiday of Simchat Torah – non-stop rocket sirens are sounding across Israel, including Jerusalem. Israel is under terrorist infiltration carried out by the Hamas terrorist organization. We will do everything to protect ourselves,” asserted the government.
Israel and Palestinian militants have fought several wars since Hamas took power in Gaza in 2007. The latest comes after tensions heightened after Israel closed borders to Gazan workers.
As many as 247 Palestinians, 32 Israelis and two foreigners have been killed in the conflict this year so far. These include both fighters and civilians.
NDTV is now available on WhatsApp channels. Click on the link to get all the latest updates from NDTV on your chat.
