War Erupts as Hamas Launches Major Attack on Israel
Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has declared war after Hamas launched a massive rocket barrage. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) responded with swift and fierce retaliation.
Gallant: “Hamas Made a Grave Mistake”
Gallant said, “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.” The Ministry of Defence declared a “special security situation” near the Gaza Strip with a tight 0.8km security zone, giving IDF power to enforce safety measures and secure key sites.
Rocket Barrage and Deadly Strikes Rock Gaza
- Thousands of rockets rained down from Hamas in the early hours.
- Israel responded with heavy shelling east of Bureij refugee camp.
- Reports claim at least two deaths and numerous injuries, some serious.
Palestinian WAFA news described life in Gaza as brought to a halt amid relentless gunfire between Israeli forces and militant factions.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad Joins the Fight
Complicating matters, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) has thrown its weight behind Hamas. The group declared, “Our cadres stand alongside their brothers in Hamas, shoulder to shoulder, until victory.”
PIJ is the second-largest militant organisation in Gaza and the West Bank, according to the US Director of National Intelligence, adding fuel to the already raging conflict.
