The Israeli armed forces say that Palestinian fighters have invaded Israeli territory from Gaza. Israel has started airstrikes on Gaza.
Sakari Nuuttila,
Jussi Nurminen
A large number of rockets have been fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip in a surprise attack that began early in the morning.
Due to the rocket fire, a wide air alert has been issued in Israel. The air alert concerns Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, among others.
Explosions have been reported in several areas. At least five people have died in Israel. Haaretz magazine according to more than 120 people have been injured in different cities.
The Israeli armed forces say that some Palestinian fighters have infiltrated from Gaza into Israeli territory. Israelis living in the area near Gaza are advised to stay indoors.
The Israeli media reported that dozens of Palestinian militants had infiltrated Israel from Gaza. According to Haaretz, “terrorists” have, for example, invaded the police station and a firefight is underway.
There have been reports of shooting in the street in Sderot. According to Haaretz, some of the intruders have come to Israel with parachutes.
Times of Israel reported unconfirmed reports that at least one Israeli soldier had been killed and that a video of the body had been shared on social media.
The Palestinian extremist organization Hamas says it launched rockets fired into Israel this morning. Hamas commander Mohammad Deif claims that the organization has fired more than 5,000 rockets into Israel. According to Hamas, a new military operation against Israel has begun.
According to Israel, there are at least 2,000 rockets fired.
Israel says it has launched strikes on numerous targets in the Gaza Strip. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has approved the appointment of reservists.
– Hamas has made a big mistake. We are in a state of war, Gallant commented in a press release.
According to the Israeli media, Gallant has also ordered a state of emergency within a radius of 80 kilometers from Gaza. It enables gathering and movement restrictions.
The last time Israel and Hamas fought a major war was in 2021, when the conflict lasted 11 days.
Yesterday, Friday, it was 50 years since the start of the Yom Kippur war between Israel and the Arab countries. Egypt and Syria made a surprise attack on Israel on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur, October 6, 1973.
The news is updated.
Sources: Reuters, AFP, AP, STT