THE CABLE
The Hamas militant group has infiltrated Israel and fired rockets from the Gaza strip.
According to media reports, one person has been confirmed killed in the attack and 100 have been injured, with many suffering gun shot wounds.
In a statement following the attack, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said it has declared “a state of alert for war”.
It said Hamas will face consequences for their attacks and ordered residents in areas around Gaza to remain inside.
“Over the past hour, the Hamas terrorist organization launched massive barrages of rockets from Gaza into Israel, and its terrorist operatives have infiltrated into Israel in a number of different locations in the south,” the statement reads.
“Civilians in southern and central Israel must remain near shelters, and in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip, inside shelters.
“The Chief of the General staff is currently conducting a situational assessment and approving plans for the IDF’s continued activity.”
The IDF has closed roads near the border and routes used by farmers have been cordoned off by the army.
In a rare statement, Mohammed Deif, Hamas military commander, said Hamas had fired more than 5,000 rockets into Israel in what he called “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm”.
He said the ongoing attacks are in retaliation for Israel’s “desecration” of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and said Israel has killed and wounded hundreds of Palestinians this year.
He also called on Palestinians inside Israel and Israel’s Arab neighbours to join the fight and “set the earth on fire under the feet of the occupiers”.
