Operation Al-Aqsa Storm: Hamas declares start of military operation against Israel

n a rare public statement, Mohammed Deif asserted 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 added as he urged all Palestinians to confront Israel.

Palestinians launched this major offensive against Israel, combining fighters crossing the fence into Israeli occupied cities with a barrage of rockets from the Gaza Strip.

The operation began on the last day of the weeklong Sukkot festival, with hundreds of rockets fired at Israel. Six people were killed and nearly 200 wounded, with casualties reported in Sderot.
Hamas’ armed wing claimed responsibility, stating that more than 5,000 rockets were fired in the first 20 minutes of the operation.

Islamic Jihad also joined the fighting, and Hamas called on Palestinians worldwide to join as well.

The operation is in response to “criminal aggression” at al-Aqsa Mosque. Palestinian sources reported the deaths of Israeli soldiers and settlers, and videos circulated showing captured tank operators and an Israeli soldier being taken into custody by Palestinians.

The operation coincided with the 50th anniversary of the 1973 war, in which the entity was brought to the verge of catastrophic defeat following a surprise attack by Syria and
Egypt.

end / 107