"We've decided to say enough is enough," says Hamas Military Commander, "Will pay a heavy price for its actions” warns the Israel military

Israel has declared a state of war following the barrage of rockets that were fired from the Gaza Strip that continued for about half an hour during the morning hours of Saturday. Claiming responsibility for the attack, the Palestinian Hamas militants described it as their very "first strike". The attack took place with 5,000 rockets launched towards Israel, the attack also involved the use of paragliders. It has also been reported by the Israeli defense forces that an alleged infiltration of Hamas militants has taken place. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has asserted that Hamas will pay a heavy price for its actions. Palestine’s attack on Israel marks a great spike in geo-political tension in recent times, after the war between Ukraine and Russia.

"On Shabbat and the holiday of Simchat Torah - non-stop rocket sirens are sounding across Israel, including Jerusalem. Israel is under terrorist infiltration carried out by the Hamas terrorist organization. We will do everything to protect ourselves," said the Israeli Government following Palestine’s attack that has killed a woman and injured several. 

Taking to X, the Israel Defense Forces said, "A number of terrorists have infiltrated into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip. Residents in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip have been asked to stay in their homes.” Several points across the country have been impacted owing to the sudden barrage of rockets, and sirens blaring in the holy city of Jerusalem.

Mohammad Deif, senior Hamas military commander has called for the Palestinians everywhere to join the fight. Deif stated that the launch of the rockets marked the beginning of "Operation Al-Aqsa Storm", and 5000 rockets were fired in the first twenty minutes. "We've decided to say enough is enough," said the military commander. "Today is the biggest battle to end the last occupation," he added.

The violence on Saturday follows weeks of escalating tensions along Israel's volatile border with Gaza, as well as clashes in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The Israeli military has reportedly killed around 200 Palestinians this year. At the same time, Palestinian attacks on Israel have resulted in the deaths of roughly 30 people.

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