Israel Declares State of War in Response to Over 5,000 Rockets Launched from Gaza

Israel has declared a ‘state of war’ following an intense rocket attack from Gaza, which Hamas militants claim is only the beginning. Thousands of rockets were launched towards Israel, accompanied by blaring sirens, on this holiday morning. The country’s defense forces have also alerted to an alleged infiltration by Hamas militants, who are considered terrorists in Israel. Visuals from Israel showed the use of paragliders in the attack. This event marks a significant escalation in global politics, reminiscent of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to the Israel Defense Forces, “a number of terrorists have infiltrated into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip, and residents in the surrounding area have been instructed to stay in their homes.” As multiple impact points have been reported across the country, sirens are sounding in Jerusalem and throughout Israel. The armed wing of Hamas, known as “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” has launched over 5,000 rockets in what they call the “first strike of 20 minutes.” The group stated, “We have decided to put an end to all the crimes of the occupation (Israel); their time for rampaging without being held accountable is over.”