Palestinian fighters launched the most widespread onslaught on Israel in years, penetrating parts of southern Israel amid a persistent barrage of rockets fired from Gaza. Israeli medical officials said that the incident unfortunately resulted in the death of at least one woman and the injury of 15 others.
The rocket onslaught commenced from various locations within Gaza at 06:30 am local time (03:30 GMT) on Saturday, persisting for nearly half an hour, as reported by the Agence France-Presse news agency.
In response to the situation, senior Hamas military leader, Mohammed Deif, delivered a proclamation via Hamas media, urging Palestinians worldwide to join the fight. Deif characterized the rocket strikes as the inauguration of “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm.”
“We’ve decided to say enough is enough,” declared Deif, calling on all Palestinians to confront Israel. He emphasized that this marked the “greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth” and disclosed that a staggering 5,000 rockets had been launched.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military issued advisories to residents living in proximity to the Gaza Strip, urging them to remain within their homes and cautioning that Hamas would face severe consequences for its actions.
Israeli media reported instances of armed fighters firing upon civilians in the town of Sderot, located in southern Israel. Additionally, footage circulating on social media depicted uniformed Palestinian combatants engaged in skirmishes within the border town. Another video shared on social media appeared to capture a burning Israeli tank.
The unfolding situation has escalated tensions in the region, prompting concerns about the potential for further violence and instability.
