Six Israeli citizens killed, 200 injured as Hamas launches ‘Operation Al-Aqsa Flood’ against Israel
JERUSALEM, Oct 07 (SABAH): In a massive surprise attack on Saturday, the Palestinian group Hamas launched 5,000 rockets into Israel from Gaza, followed by gunmen infiltrating areas in the southern region of the country, declaring the launch of “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood”. In the result of the attack at least six Israeli citizens have been killed and 200 others have been injured. Hamas Mujahideen have also made 35 Israeli soldiers hostage after capturing the Israeli border military camp.
Mohammad Deif, a senior Hamas military commander, announced the start of the operation in a broadcast on Hamas media, calling on Palestinians everywhere to fight, official news agency of Britain reported.
“This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth,” he said, adding that 5,000 rockets had been launched.
According to the Magen David Adom emergency services, one Israeli woman was killed “due to a direct hit” as ambulance crews were deployed in areas around the Gaza Strip and sirens sounded across Israel, including Jerusalem.
Additionally, 15 others were hurt, two of them seriously, medics said, according to the French news agency.
Israeli media reported that gunmen had opened fire on passersby in the town of Sderot, in southern Israel, and footage circulating on social media appeared to show clashes in city streets.
“A number of terrorists have infiltrated into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip,” the military said in a statement, adding that residents in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip had been told to stay in their homes.
“The Israeli Defence Forces will defend Israeli civilians and the Hamas terrorist organisation will pay heavy price for its actions,” it said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he would meet top security officials in the coming hours.
In Gaza, the roar of launches was heard and residents reported armed clashes along the separation fence with Israel, near the southern town of Khan Younis.
Israel’s ambulance service said teams had been dispatched to areas in southern Israel near Gaza and residents were warned to stay inside.
Meanwhile Hezbollah issued a statement on Saturday saying they were closely following the situation in Gaza and were in “direct contact with the leadership of the Palestinian resistance”.
Following events involving Gaza militants who fired a barrage of rockets into Israel, the statement added that it was a “decisive response to Israel’s continued occupation and a message to those seeking normalisation with Israel.”