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In Highlights:
- Israeli military conducts airstrikes in Gaza.
- Air raid sirens sound in Jerusalem.
- Ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
- Stay tuned for updates on the crisis.
- International concerns rise over the situation.
JERUSALEM — The Israeli military has launched strikes against targets in the Gaza Strip in response to an escalation in tensions. The situation escalated after the Hamas militant group announced a new operation against Israel, leading to air raid sirens sounding in Jerusalem. At least three explosions were heard as Israel activated anti-rocket defense systems. This attack on Jerusalem is seen as a significant escalation by Israel.
Earlier, the leader of Hamas’ military wing declared that over 5,000 rockets had been fired into Israel as part of their new military operation. This development marks a significant and dangerous turn of events.
The situation took a dramatic turn when Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip seemingly infiltrated southern Israel, prompting Israel to issue orders for residents in the region to remain indoors. The infiltration occurred concurrently with a barrage of rockets fired into Israel by these militants.
The Israeli military confirmed that “a number of terrorists have infiltrated into Israeli territory,” but provided no further details. Social media posts shared amateur videos appearing to show uniformed gunmen inside the Israeli border town of Sderot. Gunfire sounds were audible in these videos, though their authenticity was yet to be verified.
The infiltration came amidst intense rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel, with air raid sirens echoing across the country. Rockets soared through the skies in Gaza, and sirens reached as far as Tel Aviv, approximately 70 kilometers (40 miles) to the north. These rocket attacks led to casualties, including a critically injured 70-year-old woman when a rocket struck a building in southern Israel. Additionally, a 20-year-old man was moderately injured by rocket shrapnel.
The situation prompted authorities to instruct millions of Israelis to stay close to bomb shelters in their homes and apartment buildings. The army also advised residents near Gaza to remain indoors due to the unfolding “security incident.”
Palestinian media in Gaza reported the possible attempt by militants to infiltrate Israel, but no further details were immediately available.
Israel has not yet responded, but historically, the Israeli military typically conducts airstrikes in response to rocket fire, increasing the likelihood of broader conflict. While no group claimed responsibility for the rocket attacks, Israel usually holds the ruling Hamas militant group accountable for any such actions originating from Gaza.
This recent series of events follows weeks of escalating tensions along Israel’s volatile border with Gaza, as well as heavy clashes in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The longstanding blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza since Hamas, an Islamic militant group hostile to Israel, took control of the territory in 2007 has led to a dire economic situation in the region. This blockade restricts the movement of people and goods, with Israel justifying it as necessary to prevent militant groups from accumulating weaponry. The Palestinians, however, view it as collective punishment.
These rocket attacks coincide with a period of intensified fighting in the West Bank, where Israeli military operations have resulted in the deaths of nearly 200 Palestinians this year. Israel contends that these operations target militants, but they have also resulted in casualties among stone-throwing protesters and innocent civilians. Palestinian attacks on Israeli targets have also claimed the lives of more than 30 people.
Tensions have also spilled over into Gaza, where Hamas-affiliated activists held violent demonstrations along the Israeli border in recent weeks. These demonstrations were halted in late September after international mediation efforts.
The Israeli government has now declared a “state of alert for war” and initiated the call-up of reserves in response to the Hamas militants’ infiltration into Israeli territory and the rocket attacks across Israel. This marks one of the most serious confrontations in recent years, following weeks of escalating tensions along the volatile border.
In an unusual statement, Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif called on Palestinians living in Israel and neighboring Arab countries to join the conflict. Israeli media has also reported gun battles in neighborhoods near the border with Gaza. Early on Saturday local time, Israel issued orders for residents in areas around Gaza to remain indoors in response to the “infiltrations” by Hamas militants. The Israeli cabinet has announced an emergency session to address the situation.
