Israel declares 'state of war' after Hamas fires 5,000 rockets from Gaza

The Israel Defence Force has officially declared a ‘state of war’ after Hamas fired 5,000 rockets against Israel as they announced the commencement of “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm” on Saturday.

“A number of terrorists have infiltrated into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip,” the Israeli military said in a statement. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that “Israel will win this war” against Hamas. “Hamas has made a grave mistake this morning and launched a war against the State of Israel. IDF troops are fighting against the enemy at every location. I call on all of Israel’s citizens to follow security instructions. The State of Israel will win this war,” Gallant said.

Israelis across the country—on Shabbat and the holiday of Simchat Torah—woke up to sirens sounding and Hamas firing rockets at them from Gaza this morning.

We will defend ourselves. pic.twitter.com/S9GN8fld4Y

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 7, 2023

Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip carried out what appeared to be an unprecedented infiltration into southern Israel, prompting Israel to order residents across the region to remain indoors. The infiltration took place as militants fired dozens of rockets into Israel. At least four Palestinians have died and five were left wounded as a result of confrontations between the Israeli army and Palestinian groups in the border area of the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, the Israeli Army has launched “Operation Iron Swords” against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for an emergency security meeting soon after Hamas launched its offensive.