In a swift and assertive move, the Palestinian Resistance in Gaza initiated a barrage of rocket attacks aimed at illegal Israeli settlements, including “Bat Yam” and “Rishon LeZiyyon” in the southern outskirts of “Tel Aviv.”
Sirens echoed across the Gaza envelope, reaching the illegal Israeli settlements and even Tel Aviv itself. Simultaneously, the Iron Dome defense system sprang into action, attempting to intercept the Resistance’s incoming rockets, as reported by Al Mayadeen’s correspondent.
Concurrently, Israeli media sources reported that “the Palestinian Resistance breached the separation barrier, reached the intersection near the Urim settlement, and opened fire on a settler’s vehicle.”
It was also noted that “gunfire occurred at the Urim crossroads in the northern Al-Naqab and western Ofakim,” resulting in casualties.
Israeli media further indicated that the Resistance launched a coordinated attack, including an attempt to infiltrate via gliders in the south.
In response to the numerous rocket launches from Gaza, Israeli forces opened shelters in Tel Aviv and Ashdod, as confirmed by the Israeli military radio.
Israeli media sources admitted that the situation in Gaza remained unclear, conceding that “they have indeed taken us by surprise.”
Yedioth Ahronoth reported that “Hamas’s attack is a declaration of war against Israel, and dozens of militants have infiltrated the towns surrounding Gaza.”
Meanwhile, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, announced that their leader, Mohammad Daif, would make an important statement to the Palestinian people and the Arab nation.
Military expert Ahmad Abdul Rahman commented, “We are facing a strategic attack by the Resistance against the occupation.”
Palestinian Resistance’s Operation Takes Israel by Surprise
Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in occupied Palestine reported that Palestinian Resistance fighters had managed to capture Israeli occupation soldiers.
Earlier, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that “dozens of militants infiltrated the settlements around Gaza.” Consequently, Israeli settlers are currently fearful, shocked, and left to their own devices, according to Israeli media reports.
A Challenging Morning for “Israel”
Israeli media outlets confirmed that “Israel” is facing a “challenging morning,” with reports of hostages and numerous casualties in the Gaza envelope.
Furthermore, the correspondent for Israeli Channel 12 noted that Israeli settlers were questioning, “Where is the Israeli army? Where are the security forces? Why haven’t they joined yet?” They simply fear the “significant disaster unfolding, with multiple injuries reported in Sderot.”
Israeli media reported multiple hostage takings and Israeli deaths as a result of the operation from Gaza. Simultaneously, an Israeli medical official stated that the number of casualties was significant and could not be determined at the moment.
Israeli media aired images of an Israeli tank on fire near the Gaza Strip. Palestinians celebrated the operation, claiming that the Resistance had successfully captured all soldiers inside.
Additionally, images showed dozens of Israeli settlers injured.
Several scenes were broadcast, showing Israeli occupation soldiers captured by the Resistance in the Gaza Strip. Images of a captured Israeli soldier in Khan Yunis were aired, while another Israeli soldier was captured in Jabalia.
“Operation Al-Aqsa Deluge”
Mohammad Daif, the commander-in-chief of the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, announced the launch of “Operation Al-Aqsa Deluge” following a barrage of rocket fire and an infiltration operation into the surrounding Gaza settlements.
Hamas’s leader stated that the operation was in response to the desecration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli occupation and multiple assaults on women within the mosque’s courtyards.
He added that the Resistance had fired over 5,000 rockets and shells during the initial phase of the strikes.
Mr. Deif addressed Palestinian Resistance fighters, saying, “This is your day to make the enemy understand that its time is up,” adding that the Resistance had previously warned the Israeli occupation against aggression towards women in prayer and the desecration of Al-Aqsa.
The leader of the al-Qassam Brigades also addressed Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, urging them to “carry out operations against the settlements” and to “sweep away the occupation.”
He then called on Palestinians residing in occupied Jerusalem, as well as those in the territories occupied in 1948, to join the struggle against the Israeli occupation
