video: Israel Declares ‘State of War’ After Hamas Began Massive Offensive from Gaza Into Israel’s Border

In a bold and extensive move, the Palestinian group Hamas initiated a major offensive against Israeli targets, resulting in Israel declaring a ‘state of war.’ This formidable attack, one of the most significant in recent years, unfolded early on a Saturday morning. Hamas unleashed hundreds of rockets from Gaza into southern Israel, accompanied by armed militants infiltrating Israel by land and air.

The rocket onslaught began at approximately 6 AM local time on Saturday, with Hamas claiming responsibility for firing over 5,000 rockets from various launch sites across the Gaza Strip. As the rockets descended, air raid sirens wailed across southern Israel. Though Israeli defense systems intercepted many rockets, some found their mark, striking residential areas, roads, and infrastructure. Tragically, at least one casualty, a woman in her 60s named Leah Agami, lost her life when her home in Ashkelon suffered a direct hit. Several others sustained injuries from rockets and debris.

Hamas orchestrated these attacks as part of their new military operation, dubbed “Al-Aqsa Storm.” In a statement, senior Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif declared, “enough is enough,” and called upon Palestinians to directly confront Israeli forces and civilians. Deif, in a speech broadcast by Hamas media, stated, “The Palestinian people will not accept the ongoing denial of their rights and oppression. Today marks the beginning of a new phase in the Palestinian resistance.”

In tandem with the rocket attacks, Hamas deployed special forces for an incursion into southern Israel by both land and air. Some units breached the Gaza-Israel border fence using explosives and cutting equipment, while others utilized paragliders to cross over, releasing flares to evade detection by Israeli thermal sensors along the fence line.

Video footage released by Hamas and eyewitness accounts depicted armed militants venturing several kilometers into Israeli territory, engaging Israeli security forces and civilian settlements. Images showcased armed men in military attire navigating through streets and discharging firearms. Near the border, at least one Israeli military vehicle was seen engulfed in flames inside Gaza.

Israel responded resolutely to these attacks. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) implemented a “state of war” declaration, urging all civilians in southern Israel to remain sheltered indoors. Extensive mobilization of reserve soldiers took place, with the IDF deploying attack helicopters, tanks, and troops along the Gaza border, while also launching air strikes from within Israeli airspace.

IDF spokesperson Jonathan Conricus stated, “We are dealing with an extensive attack carried out by Hamas from the Gaza Strip on Israeli territory. Forces are operating throughout the Gaza Strip. All available forces have been mobilized in all domains in order to thwart Hamas’ plan. We are prepared for any scenario.”

By midday local time, the IDF claimed to have targeted more than 350 militant sites across the Gaza Strip, including rocket launch sites, weapons storage facilities, and command centers. Israeli aircraft carried out bombardments in densely populated urban areas, and tanks shelled border regions. Palestinian officials reported over 30 casualties from Israeli attacks, including militants and children. Clashes persisted in Gaza and along the border fence throughout Saturday.

Hamas aimed to catch Israel off guard with the scale and coordination of this massive assault, involving rocket attacks and infiltration squads, even breaching Israeli territory. However, the IDF had conducted extensive operations against Hamas in recent months, including targeted killings that significantly weakened the group’s ranks. Israel had anticipated further escalation from Hamas and maintained heightened readiness.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who remains in power following last year’s elections, convened emergency consultations with defense officials. Netanyahu emphasized, “All citizens of Israel should be cognizant of the possibility of continued fighting and be ready for any scenario.” Opposition leader Yair Lapid held Netanyahu’s government accountable, attributing weakened deterrence against Hamas to its policies.

International observers unequivocally condemned the Hamas attacks. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stated that the UK “unequivocally condemns the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians.” French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna denounced the militant incursions as “inadmissible terrorist acts posing a serious threat to regional stability.” Israel’s allies, including the United States, Germany, and Australia, reiterated Israel’s right to self-defense against rocket fire.

Nevertheless, the magnitude of Israel’s response drew criticism from certain quarters. Human rights organizations documented apparent disproportionate strikes on civilian homes in Gaza. Philip Luther of Amnesty International emphasized, “Israel may act lawfully in self-defense but must take all possible precautions to avoid civilian casualties.” Turkey and Qatar, staunch supporters of Hamas, accused Israel of using excessive force that risked sparking broader conflict.

Hamas justified its attacks by citing mounting Palestinian frustration with the ongoing siege and blockade of Gaza imposed by Israel. While Hamas has governed Gaza since 2007, Israel maintains strict security restrictions along the border. Economic conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate, marked by high unemployment, poverty, and limited access to essential resources like clean water. Hamas aims to exert pressure on Israel by threatening further attacks until the blockade is lifted.

As clashes raged throughout Saturday, both sides appeared locked in an escalating cycle, teetering on the brink of a full-scale war. Palestinian militants in Gaza remained resolute, warning of further attacks if Israeli strikes persisted. Israeli leaders contended that Hamas had unleashed a dangerous escalation. With neither side willing to back down, mediation attempts by Egypt, Qatar, and the UN faced the challenge of quelling violence on the ground.

By Saturday evening local time, reports indicated that over 1,000 rockets had been launched from Gaza towards Israeli population centers like Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Beersheba. Meanwhile, dozens of Israeli airstrikes and artillery bombardments struck various targets throughout the densely populated Gaza Strip. The Palestinian death toll exceeded 50, including numerous civilians, while rockets inflicted escalating property damage and led to three Israeli fatalities. Militant incursions into Israel persisted in specific border areas.

Hamas’ relentless “Al-Aqsa Storm” assault seemed designed to force Israel into a broader conflict with potential consequences. However, Israel displayed its resolve to neutralize militant capabilities in Gaza and protect its citizens from further attacks. Whether both sides can de-escalate and avoid full-scale war remained uncertain as the weekend progressed. Most analysts agreed that a lasting resolution to the underlying conflict driving this latest escalation appeared as elusive as ever.