Hamas in the encircled Gaza Strip in Palestine has launched dozens of missiles at Israel. Based on press sources, sirens alerting of oncoming missiles have been audible as far out as the larger Tel Aviv region.
It was after 6:00 in the morning on Saturday that rocket firing started from several places in Gaza. According to the news agency Agence France-Presse, it went on for about 30 minutes.
Up to 40 miles to the north in Tel Aviv, the sound of air raid sirens could be observed. Israelis were told to remain in their houses and buildings complexes close to bomb shelters.
According to Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue organization, a rocket that struck a building in south Israel seriously wounded an old lady. A 20-year-old guy was slightly hurt by missile shrapnel in another location, it claimed.
Residents of Gaza claimed to have heard violent confrontations near the border barrier with Israel. They noticed a big troop of armed Palestinian soldiers close to the southern town of Khan Younis. The Israeli military gave no further information.
Hamas‘ armed branch commander Mohammed Deif announced the start of a fresh military offensive against Zionism. The militant group is in charge of the Gaza Strip.
Deif said that Operation Al-Aqsa Storm began with the missiles launched into Israel early today in a rare public declaration. “We’ve decided to say enough is enough,” Deif declared in a message sent through audio, urging all Palestinian people to face Israel.
The spokesman of Israeli Prime Minister said that he is scheduled to meet with senior security personnel soon.
Israelis would be “shocked and stunned,” according to reports, due to the “element of surprise” in the morning strike. In addition to firing rockets, the attack seemed to feature Palestinian fighters riding in vehicles and paragliders.
Israel’s military has not yet responded, although it often launches airstrikes in reaction to missile fire. The reaction might increase the risk of more widespread conflict.
Following weeks of increasing conflict along Israel’s tumultuous border with Gaza, a missile was fired on Saturday. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which has seen violence in recent months, 200 Palestinian residents have been murdered by Israeli forces so far in 2023.
