Hamas military leader announces the beginning of a new operation against Israel

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In a significant development, the leader of Hamas’ military wing, Mohammed Deif, has announced the commencement of a new military operation against Israel. Deif, known for his elusive nature and having survived numerous Israeli assassination attempts, made a rare public statement to declare the initiation of “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm.” According to his statement, a staggering 5,000 rockets were launched into Israel early on Saturday as part of this operation. This announcement also coincided with an infiltration from Gaza into southern Israel.

The Israeli military has reported the infiltration, stating that “a number of terrorists have infiltrated into Israeli territory.” While precise details remain limited, amateur videos circulated on social media appear to show uniformed gunmen within the Israeli border town of Sderot, accompanied by the sound of gunfire. The authenticity of these videos has yet to be verified.

This infiltration occurred simultaneously with militants in the Gaza Strip firing dozens of rockets into Israel. The launch of these rockets triggered air raid sirens across Israel, raising concerns about the possibility of a new round of intense conflict in the region.

The situation escalated as the sound of outgoing rockets filled the air in Gaza, and sirens blared as far north as Tel Aviv, located approximately 70 kilometers (40 miles) away. Tragically, a 70-year-old woman suffered critical injuries when a rocket struck a building in southern Israel, and a 20-year-old man sustained moderate injuries from rocket shrapnel, according to Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue agency.

In response to the rocket attacks, millions of Israelis were instructed to remain close to bomb shelters within their homes and apartment buildings. The Israeli military has urged residents in proximity to Gaza to stay indoors due to the ongoing “security incident.”

While Palestinian media in Gaza reported a possible attempt by militants to infiltrate Israel, further details remain scarce. Israel has not yet issued a formal response, but historically, it has carried out airstrikes in retaliation for rocket attacks, potentially leading to a broader and more intense conflict. Although no specific group has claimed responsibility for the rocket fire, Israel typically holds the ruling Hamas militant group accountable for any such actions originating from Gaza.

This recent escalation follows weeks of heightened tensions along the volatile border between Israel and Gaza, as well as heavy clashes in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The ongoing blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza since 2007, in response to Hamas’ control of the territory, has had a devastating impact on the region’s economy. Israel argues that the blockade is necessary to prevent militant groups from amassing weaponry, while Palestinians view it as a form of collective punishment.

Furthermore, the rocket fire coincides with a period of intense fighting in the West Bank, where Israeli military raids have resulted in the deaths of nearly 200 Palestinians this year. These raids, officially targeting militants, have also resulted in casualties among stone-throwing protesters and individuals not involved in the violence. Meanwhile, Palestinian attacks on Israeli targets have claimed the lives of over 30 individuals.

The tensions have not been confined to the West Bank, as Hamas-linked activists have engaged in violent demonstrations along the Israeli border in Gaza in recent weeks. These demonstrations were suspended in late September following international mediation efforts, but the situation remains highly volatile, and the region’s stability remains a cause for concern.

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