Israel Defense Minister Declares Hamas Has Instigated a Conflict Israel Will Ultimately Triumph In

Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared that Hamas, the militant organization, has initiated a conflict against Israel and assured that Israel will emerge victorious. Speaking after a security cabinet meeting at Israel’s military headquarters in Tel Aviv, Gallant stated that Hamas had committed a “serious error” by unexpectedly launching rocket attacks on various parts of southern and central Israel.

In what marks one of the most significant escalations in years between Israel and the Gaza-based militant group, Hamas operatives breached the border fence at multiple locations and made their way into Israeli residential areas.

“Israel is destined to win this conflict,” asserted Gallant.

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: Earlier Reporting by AP Below

JERUSALEM — In an extraordinary incursion on Saturday, Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip penetrated southern Israel, deploying fighters across the border and launching thousands of rockets into Israeli territory. This act of aggression was announced by the ruling Hamas group as the commencement of a new campaign.

The Israeli military subsequently put the nation on high alert and initiated retaliatory strikes against targets in Gaza, potentially setting the stage for an intense bout of hostilities between the two long-standing adversaries. In a remarkable escalation, rocket salvos from Gaza triggered air raid sirens as far north as Jerusalem.

Footage circulated on social media platforms appeared to show Palestinian gunmen in Israeli military uniforms in the Israeli border town of Sderot, though the authenticity of these videos could not be immediately confirmed.

Mohammed Deif, the enigmatic commander of Hamas’ military wing, proclaimed the start of “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm.”

“Today marks the reclamation of our revolution,” he announced in a pre-recorded message, urging Palestinians from east Jerusalem to northern Israel to participate in the struggle to “expel the occupiers and tear down the barriers.”

Salah Arouri, a senior Hamas leader in exile, claimed the operation was a reprisal “for the transgressions of the occupation forces,” referring to the defense of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and the plight of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.

The abrupt military action occurred during the significant Jewish festival of Simchat Torah and caught the Israeli defense establishment unprepared, reminiscent of the 1973 war when Israel faced a surprise attack on Yom Kippur.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration has found itself in a precarious situation, especially as internal protests against the government’s contentious plans to restructure the judiciary have expanded, even among military ranks.

Israeli cities and towns near Gaza were deserted as the military sealed off roads and millions of Israelis took shelter, heeding air raid sirens. In the kibbutz of Nahal Oz, residents described hearing continuous gunfire reverberating off nearby structures.

Kobi Shabtai, the Israeli police chief, announced, “We are in a state of war; there is no alternative interpretation.”

Tensions have not been confined to Gaza but have also been escalating in the West Bank, with nearly 200 Palestinians killed in Israeli military operations this year. Israel maintains that these operations are targeted at militants, although civilian casualties have occurred. Likewise, Palestinian attacks on Israeli targets have resulted in over 30 fatalities.

The conflict also comes amid a blockade over Gaza that Israel says is necessary to prevent militant groups from amassing weaponry, a policy that Palestinians argue is a form of collective punishment.

Reporters Adwan and Isabel DeBre contributed to this story from Gaza City, Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem, respectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Israel-Hamas Conflict

More about Israel-Hamas Conflict

• Israel Defense Ministry Official Statement
• Hamas Announces “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm”
• Israeli Military Response to Rocket Attacks
• Internal Political Climate in Israel
• Recent Tensions in the West Bank
• Overview of Israel-Gaza Blockade