Violence erupts between Israel and Hamas: “Aqsa Deluge” and rockets from Gaza

JERUSALEM, OCT 7, 2023 – Hamas has announced the launch of “5,000 rockets” against Israel at the beginning of the operation named ‘Aqsa Deluge,’ declaring their intention to put an end to the “crimes of Israel” and denouncing the “profanation” of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem.

Rockets launched from the Gaza Strip have struck the Bedouin village of Kseifeh in the Negev, with the mayor of the locality reporting four casualties and emphasizing the lack of shelters for residents during the attacks.

Israeli Police Chief Yaakov Shabtai declared that the country is in a “state of war,” with 21 ongoing incidents in the south, and special police units have been mobilized to address the situation. Checkpoints have been set up on major roads between the south and central Israel, while security measures have been implemented along the demarcation line with the West Bank and in mixed Jewish-Arab population cities.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Hamas had made a “grave mistake” by launching a war against Israel, emphasizing their intention to combat the enemy wherever necessary. Additionally, there are unconfirmed reports of Hamas militants having taken Israeli civilians and soldiers hostage.

Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas’ military wing, stated that the ‘Aqsa Deluge’ operation is a response to the “profanation of the holy sites in Jerusalem” and Israel’s refusal to “release Palestinian prisoners.” He called on Palestinians to join the armed struggle, asserting that the enemy is weaker than perceived.

The Israeli military has declared a “state of war alert,” with Hamas engaged in a massive rocket barrage towards Israeli territory. Israel has called up reservists in response to the escalating tension.

A surprise attack from Gaza on Israel has resulted in rocket launches intercepted by Iron Dome defense systems. There have been casualties, including one severely injured individual, and missile warning sirens sounded in Tel Aviv.

The atmosphere in Gaza is tense, with rocket launches towards Israel forcing children to return home while streets empty out.

A large gathering of Islamic Jihad supporters took place in Gaza yesterday, but it remains unclear whether there is a connection between that event and today’s rocket launches.

Mosque loudspeakers are broadcasting messages of jubilation, describing the attack as a “great victory of armed resistance.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant will meet with security and military officials shortly to address the situation. Some analysts note that the Gaza attack occurs around the same date as the 1973 attack when Egypt and Israel launched an assault on Israel during Yom Kippur.

Furthermore, unconfirmed images circulating on the web depict Palestinian militants flying from Gaza to Israel using hang gliders. The situation remains fluid and evolving as Israel and Hamas continue to exchange attacks.