Hamas Unleashes ‘Unprecedented Assault’ on Israel, Fires Over 5,000 Rockets

Hamas, the militant Palestinian group, initiated an extensive rocket offensive against Israel on Saturday, simultaneously infiltrating southern Israeli territory. Mohammad Deif, a high-ranking Hamas military commander, declared the commencement of this operation via a broadcast on Hamas media, issuing a rallying cry for Palestinians worldwide to join the fight.

“This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth,” Deif proclaimed, revealing that a staggering 5,000 rockets had been launched as part of this offensive.

The cacophony of rockets hurtling through the sky reverberated across Gaza, while sirens blared as far north as Tel Aviv, nearly 70 kilometers (40 miles) away, during an early morning onslaught that persisted for over half an hour.

Tragically, one Israeli woman lost her life, as confirmed by emergency services, with ambulance teams mobilized in areas surrounding the Gaza Strip. Sirens echoed throughout Israel, even reaching Jerusalem. Reports from Israeli media detailed gunmen firing upon civilians in the town of Sderot, located in southern Israel. Social media shared footage indicating street clashes.

The Israeli military issued a statement acknowledging the infiltration of terrorists into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip, instructing residents in the vicinity of the Gaza Strip to remain indoors. They vowed to protect Israeli civilians, emphasizing that the Hamas terrorist organization would face severe consequences for its actions.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that he would convene with top security officials in the imminent hours.

In Gaza, the reverberation of rocket launches filled the air, with residents reporting armed confrontations near the separation fence with Israel, particularly close to the southern town of Khan Younis. Observers noted significant movements of armed fighters.

In response to the assault, the Israeli military launched strikes on targets within the Gaza Strip early Saturday. Audible explosions echoed through the region as Israel activated its anti-rocket defense systems.

This audacious attack on Jerusalem marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict according to Israel, intensifying tensions in the region.