Massive rocket fire
Hamas declares start of “military operation” against Israel
October 7, 2023, 7:42 a.m
Early in the morning, sirens sounded in several parts of Israel. Hamas says it is launching a “military operation” against Israel with massive rocket fire from the Gaza Strip. Several Palestinian fighters enter Israeli territory.
Accompanied by massive rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, several armed Palestinians have entered Israeli territory, according to the Israeli army. The military called on residents of border towns on the edge of the coastal strip to stay in their homes. Eyewitnesses reported exchanges of gunfire on the street.
It was unclear how the attackers from the Gaza Strip were able to overcome the strictly protected border. Among other things, a video circulating on social media showed a hang glider. However, this could not initially be independently verified.
Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, announced shortly afterwards that it had begun a “military operation” against Israel. Hamas has decided to put an end to Israeli “crimes,” said Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif in a message.
Netanyahu calls emergency meeting
This was preceded by massive rocket attacks in the early hours of the morning. Warning sirens wailed in various cities across the country, the army said. Rocket alarms were also heard in Tel Aviv, where a house was said to have been hit. The military called on residents of the southern and central parts of the country to stay in protected areas.
According to initial findings, one woman was killed in the attacks and 15 other people were injured. The Magen David Adom rescue service said a woman aged around 60 was fatally injured in a direct hit near Gedera. Two people suffered serious injuries in the attacks from Gaza. According to emergency services, more people in the south and the coastal plain were taken to hospitals.
Israel is currently celebrating the Jewish festival of Simchat Torah (Joy of the Torah). Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to hold security consultations with representatives of the Defense Ministry and the army later in the day.