Hamas launched a major attack on Israel on Saturday, combining gunmen crossing the border with a heavy barrage of rockets from the Gaza Strip. Sirens sounded warnings of incoming fire across southern and central Israel, including in Jerusalem.
The rocket attacks from Gaza, as well as reported gun battles between Palestinian fighters and Israeli security forces in towns in southern Israel, marked the most serious incident since the 10-day war between Israel and Hamas in 2021.
Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif announced the operation, stating that the aim was to end “the last occupation on earth.” He claimed that they launched over 5,000 rockets in the first 20 minutes of the operation.
Emergency services reported one Israeli woman killed, and medics reported injuries in Israel. There were also reports of Israelis being taken captive by fighters.
The Israeli military stated that its forces were operating inside Gaza but provided no further details. It confirmed that a number of terrorists infiltrated Israeli territory from Gaza and advised residents in the area surrounding Gaza to stay in their homes.
Emergency Meeting
Hamas media circulated video footage appearing to show a destroyed Israeli tank. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called an emergency meeting of security officials, and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant authorized the call-up of reservists.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad announced that its fighters were joining Hamas in the attack. Palestinians in Gaza expressed disbelief at the infiltration into Israel.
This attack followed heightened tensions in September when Israel closed the border to Gazan workers for two weeks, resulting in Palestinian protests along the heavily militarized border.
The conflict between Palestinian militants and Israel has led to several devastating wars since 2007 when Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza after Hamas took power. So far this year, there have been numerous casualties on both sides, primarily in the West Bank, which has seen an increase in army raids, Palestinian attacks targeting Israelis, and Israeli settler violence against Palestinians and their property.
