What is ‘Operation Al-Aqsa Flood’ against Israel? The Palestinian group Hamas fired 5,000 rockets into Israel from Gaza on Saturday, followed by militants infiltrating areas in the country’s south, marking the commencement of “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.”
What is ‘Operation Al-Aqsa Flood’ against Israel?
Mohammad Deif, a top Hamas military leader, announced the start of the operation in a broadcast on Hamas TV, calling on Palestinians worldwide to fight.
“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” while ambulance workers were sent throughout the Gaza Strip and sirens rang throughout Israel, including Jerusalem.
According to AFP, 15 other people were injured, two of them were badly.
Gunmen opened fire on bystanders in the southern Israeli town of Sderot, according to Israeli media, and footage circulating on social media appeared to show fights in city streets.
Also read: Hamas fires 5,000 rockets from Gaza; Israel PM reacts
“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.
The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would meet with top security authorities in the coming hours.
The scream of rockets could be heard in Gaza, and residents reported armed skirmishes along the border fence with Israel in the southern town of Khan Younis.
According to Israel’s paramedic service, teams have been ordered to locations in southern Israel near Gaza, and people have been advised to remain indoors.
