Tel Aviv: Israel on Saturday declared war against Palestine’s Hamas, vowing to avenge a fierce rocket attack that the militants claimed was only their “first strike”. Israeli military have already launched air strikes on the blockaded Gaza strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country is at war and Hamas will pay an unprecedented price. “Citizens of Israel, we are at war. This is not an operation, not an escalation – this is war. And we will win. Hamas will pay an unprecedented price,” he said in a video message.
Over 5,000 rockets pierced the sky towards Israel as loud sires blared across the country on this festive holiday morning. The country’s defence forces also alleged an infiltration by Hamas militants, whom they consider terrorists. Paragliders were used in the attack and cars passing by were fired at on the roads, showed visuals from Israel.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Hamas made a “grave mistake” in launching a war against Israel.. Also the Israel Defense Forces declares a state of readiness for war.
The armed wing of Hamas declared it has begun “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” and said it has fired over 5,000 rockets in the “first strike of 20 minutes.” “We have decided to put an end to all of this, with the help of God, so that the enemy understands that the time of recklessness without accountability is over,” Hamas militant leader Mohamed Deif said in a pre-recorded speech.
Sirens are blazing in the holy city of Jerusalem and across Israel as multiple points of impact have been reported across southern and central parts of the country. The government has asked civilians to stay near shelters and those near the Gaza strip to stay home. An elderly Israeli woman was killed “due to a direct hit” in the rocket attacks and 15 others were injured, emergency services said.
The Indian embassy there has asked its citizens living in Israel to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities.
Israel and Palestinian militants have fought several wars since Hamas took power in Gaza in 2007. The latest comes as tensions heightened after Israel closed borders to Gazan workers. As many as 247 Palestinians, 32 Israelis and two foreigners have been killed in the conflict this year so far. These include both fighters and civilians.
Comments