In a shocking turn of events, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has declared that the country is now in a state of war. The reason? Palestinian militants from Gaza unleashed a deadly barrage of rockets and sent gunmen into Israeli territory, igniting a major escalation in the long-standing conflict between the two sides.
Netanyahu, in a solemn video message, addressed the nation, saying, “Citizens of Israel, we are at war – not in an operation, not in rounds – at war.”
The early morning rocket attacks from Gaza, described as “massive” by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), tragically claimed at least one life and left over 100 people injured, according to reports from hospitals.
Hamas, the Palestinian militant group in control of Gaza, claimed responsibility for the rocket attack and called for a widespread uprising against Israel. Their military commander, Muhammad Al-Deif, urged people to take up arms, declaring, “This is the time to use it – get out with trucks, cars, axes, today the best and most honorable history starts.”
Termed “Al-Aqsa Storm,” the operation allegedly involved targeting Israeli positions, airports, and military sites with thousands of rockets, as a response to attacks on women, the desecration of the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, and the ongoing Gaza siege.
IDF spokesperson Lt Col Richard Hecht revealed that Israeli forces were actively engaged in ground battles at multiple locations. To counter the attack, the IDF struck several targets linked to Hamas in Gaza, and thousands of reservists were called up for duty.
Warning sirens wailed across areas near Gaza, urging Israelis to stay in their homes or seek shelter. The IDF held Hamas responsible for the attack, emphasizing that the consequences would be significant.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog acknowledged that the nation was facing a challenging moment and extended support to the IDF, security forces, and the affected residents.
CNN teams in Jerusalem reported rocket warnings and interceptions, indicating the severity of the situation. The initial rocket barrage occurred early in the morning when most Israelis were asleep, an unusual occurrence as Gaza is typically sealed off and heavily monitored.
Reports emerged of infiltrators from Gaza entering Israeli territories, including Kibbutz Beeri and Netiv HaAsara, although authorities had not yet confirmed the details.
Videos on social media captured masked gunmen in a pickup truck driving through the Israeli city of Sderot, with gunfire audible in the background. Tragically, one woman lost her life, and at least 15 people sustained injuries in the attacks across southern and lowland regions of Israel.
Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s rescue service, responded to the missile strikes and live firing incidents. MDA urged people to follow instructions from authorities and promptly seek shelter when alarms sounded. A special blood donation drive was organized in Tel Aviv due to an urgent need for blood donations.
The rocket attacks, witnessed by a CNN producer in Gaza, triggered alarms across a wide area, from Tel Aviv to Beer Sheva and beyond. Footage showed the aftermath of a rocket strike in Ashkelon, where multiple cars burned next to an apartment complex.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant conducted security assessments at IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv, indicating the gravity of the situation.
Gaza, one of the most densely populated places globally, houses nearly 2 million people in a small area. It has been isolated from the rest of the world due to an Israeli blockade since 2007, with Egypt controlling the southern border crossing.
As the situation unfolds, the death toll is expected to rise, with Magen David Adom reporting at least 22 people killed and over 70 seriously injured since the commencement of this massive Hamas attack. Thousands of rockets have been fired at central and southern regions, leaving the people of Israel in a state of shock and fear.