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Rabat – The Palestinian armed group Hamas initiated a devastating attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 Israelis and leaving hundreds wounded. This onslaught, which has been described as the most extensive in years, saw Hamas infiltrate areas in the southern region of Israel. The assault followed a barrage of more than 2,000 rockets fired from the Gaza Strip.
The attack began at 06:30 am local time on Saturday, involving a relentless barrage of rockets launched from various locations in Gaza. Additionally, Hamas fighters infiltrated Israeli territory by land, sea, and air, causing widespread chaos and panic among Israeli citizens.
Addressing the nation from military headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a stern message, stating, “Citizens of Israel, we are at war.”
Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant issued a warning to Hamas, declaring that the group had committed a “grave mistake” by initiating the attack. The Israeli military swiftly initiated a response, advising residents living around the Gaza Strip to remain in their homes and cautioning that Hamas would face severe consequences for its actions.
A senior Hamas military commander, Mohammed Deif, announced that the rocket fire marked the start of “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.”
He called upon Palestinians worldwide to rise up against the Israeli occupation. In an audio message, Deif proclaimed: “We’ve decided to say enough is enough. This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on Earth.”
Reports from Israeli media indicated that Palestinian fighters had opened fire on civilians in the southern town of Sderot, and videos circulating on social media showed uniformed Palestinians engaged in clashes along the border. Another video depicted a burning Israeli tank surrounded by jubilant Palestinians.
As the situation escalated, Israeli warplanes initiated airstrikes on various locations in Gaza, dubbed “Operation Iron Swords” by the Israeli military.
Many in the international community closely monitor the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East as fears of further escalation and casualties loom large.
Ground fighting involving Israeli soldiers erupted in multiple areas around the besieged Palestinian enclave. Israel’s army spokesman, Richard Hecht, confirmed: “Right now, we’re fighting. We’re fighting in certain locations around the Gaza Strip… our forces are now fighting on the ground.”
