Hamas militants unleashed a large-scale, unexpected assault on Israel during the early hours of Saturday, launching a relentless barrage of rockets from the Gaza Strip. This attack is considered one of the most significant assaults on Israel in recent years, with approximately 5,000 rockets fired by Hamas militants from Gaza towards Israel.
In the midst of this escalating conflict, civilians sought refuge behind buildings and establishments as Hamas fighters infiltrated southern Israel. The rocket barrage served as a smokescreen for the unprecedented and multifaceted infiltration of Hamas militants.
Disturbing videos have emerged online, purportedly depicting Israeli women being taken hostage by the group. These videos depict women covered in blood, their hands bound behind their backs, as Hamas militants force them into vehicles while chanting religious slogans.
The elusive leader of Hamas' military wing, Mohammed Deif, announced the launch of a new military operation against Israel named "Operation Al-Aqsa Storm." Deif declared, "We've decided to say enough is enough," and called upon all Palestinians to confront Israel.
Several video clips showing Israeli civilians allegedly being captured by the militant group are circulating online. It's important to note that the authenticity of these videos cannot be verified, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not yet commented on the Hamas militant group's alleged capture of Israelis.
Regarding on-ground infiltration, the Israeli military reported that Hamas gunmen stormed Israel at approximately 7:40 a.m. local time. Videos shared on social media depict Hamas fighters tearing down security fences, with the low sun suggesting that this occurred around the time when the rocket attacks were launched.
By around 10:00 a.m. local time, Hamas militants had reportedly penetrated at least three military installations, including the Erez border crossing, the Zikim base, and the Gaza division headquarters at Reim, according to Israeli forces. The clashes at Erez and Zikim were ongoing. Visual evidence suggested that Israeli military vehicles were later driven into Gaza, as reported by Reuters.
Hamas fighters conducted raids on the border town of Sderot in southern Israel and were also reportedly present in Be'eri, located near the eastern border of the Gaza Strip. Additionally, Hamas gunmen infiltrated the town of Ofakim, which is situated 30 km east of Gaza. While these claims have been made in Israeli media and via phone calls from residents, the authenticity of the visuals cannot be independently verified.
An Al Jazeera report stated that the Hamas militant group released footage depicting the capture of Israeli soldiers.
In response to these developments, residents of southern Israeli towns sought refuge in fortified areas in their homes, which function as bomb shelters and panic rooms. Israel's military could be heard on the radio reassuring residents with the message, "We will reach you."
As of mid-morning, Israel's police chief, Yaacov Shabtai, reported that forces were engaged with gunmen in 21 different locations. At 1:30 p.m., the military confirmed that troops were still working to clear communities that had been overrun by gunmen.
The clashes between groups of Palestinian fighters and security forces in southern Israel have resulted in the loss of over 200 Israeli lives, with more than 1,100 individuals sustaining injuries in attacks led by Hamas militants, according to Reuters.
In response to these events, blasts were heard in central Gaza and Gaza City around 9:45 a.m. In the wake of the surprise offensives in southern Israel and the Israeli Defense Forces' retaliatory actions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, "We are at war, and we will win," in a video statement on Saturday. He added, "Our enemy will pay a price the type of which it has never known."
Following Netanyahu's declaration, Israel announced "Operation Iron Swords" against Hamas militants after officially declaring a "state of war."
Subsequently, medics in Gaza reported that dozens of people were killed in the strikes as Israel responded with air attacks, as per Reuters. Gaza authorities reported the deaths of 198 Palestinians and 1,610 wounded individuals following the Israeli Defense Forces' counterstrike.
A violent confrontation is currently unfolding in both Israel and the Gaza Strip.
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