International Desk: Dozens of rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel on Saturday morning, October 7, killed one person and another 15 are wounded, Palestinian News Agency reported.
Following the massive barrage of rockets from Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces said that it is declaring a state of readiness for war.
In a statement, the IDF says Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi is holding an assessment and approving plans of action.
“Hamas… which is behind this attack, will bear the results and responsibility for the events,” the IDF says.
This comes as part of Hamas’ new operation to avenge the recent and frequent storming of Al-Aqsa mosque by Israelis.
The rocket fire was launched from multiple locations in Gaza starting at 6:30 am local time (0330 GMT), setting off sirens in numerous cities and towns.
The Israeli Army reports Palestinian militants have entered Israel from the Gaza Strip, prompting residents along the border to stay indoors.
Video clips circulated on social media platforms showed burning cars in Ashkelon, as a result of rockets falling.
Explosions could be heard in the videos.
In another video, large black plumes of smoke from fires can be seen from a suspected impact site.
As per a report by Associated Press, the leader of Hamas’s military wing says the group has launched a new operation against Israel.
In a rare public statement, Mohammed Deif said that 5,000 rockets had been fired into Israel early Saturday to begin “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm”. Israel also reported an infiltration from Gaza.
“We’ve decided to say enough is enough,” Deif said as he urged all Palestinians to confront Israel.
The launches occurred amid increased tensions along Israel’s border with Gaza and heavy fighting in the West Bank.
Israel has imposed a siege on Gaza since 2007 after Hamas seized power in the Strip. Since then, the Palestinian and Israeli factions have fought a devastating escalation.