In response to the barrages of rockets launched by Hamas from Gaza at Israel, the country has launched air strikes on Hamas targets in Gaza. Many local Gazans reportedly began fleeing as homes in the border areas as the tensions escalated.
The Israeli military waged airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, after the Hamas militant group announced a new operation against Israel – what appeared to be an unprecedented infiltration into southern towns. The incident set off air raid sirens across the country, with Israel ordering residents to remain indoors as reports of various injuries and atleast four deaths emerged.
Residents look at the wreckage of destroyed vehicles in Ashkelon following a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
Residents look at the wreckage of destroyed vehicles in Ashkelon following a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
The infiltration took place as Hamas militants said it fired over 5,000 rockets into Israel, declaring it had started “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” against Israeli occupation. At least one person’s death has been confirmed while several are said to be injured. Reports of gunbattles in southern Israeli towns, affected by infiltration were also reported by the local media.
The launches came after weeks of heightened tensions along Israel’s volatile border with Gaza, and heavy fighting in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Israel has maintained a blockade over Gaza since Hamas, an Islamic militant group that opposes Israel, seized control of the territory in 2007. The bitter enemies have fought four wars since then.
The head of the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council, Ofir Liebstein, was killed during fighting with Hamas terrorists this morning, lTimes of Israel reported citing local authorities.
“Ofir was killed when he went to defend a town during the terrorist attack,” the council says. The deputy head of the council, Yossi Keren, is currently filling his place.
Earlier today, a massive rocket strike was launched on Israel by Hamas, combined with widespread infiltration into southern towns as part of its new operation “Al-Aqsa Flood” against Israeli occupation.
France condemns ‘terrorist attacks’ against Israel
France on Saturday condemned the “terrorist attacks” against Israel launched by Hamas from Gaza that has resulted in multiple deaths and widespread devastation.
Hamas launched a surprise attack as part of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” against Israeli occupation, that combined more than 5,000 rocket strikes and infiltration into southern towns, the group said.
Over the four hours of attack, more than 2,200 rockets have been fired into Israel while in retaliation, Israeli forces have carried at least two air strikes against Hamas targets in Gaza.
