Hamas, the controlling faction in Gaza, has announced the commencement of a large-scale operation called “Flood Al-Aqsa” against Israel. This announcement was made by the Al Jazeera television channel on Saturday, October 7th. The leader of Hamas’ military wing, Muhammad Deif, accused the Israeli side of occupation and invasions of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He further stated that the movement has already launched 5,000 rockets towards Israel. Deif called upon all Palestinians to take up arms.
Additionally, according to journalists, the Palestinian armed movement “Islamic Jihad” (a group banned in Russia) has declared its support and joined Hamas’ actions. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), an unknown number of militants from the Gaza Strip infiltrated the Israeli border areas early in the morning on October 7th. In response, the Israeli army conducted retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip territory. Sirens were also sounded in the Gaza Strip amidst Israel’s actions.
Earlier, the Defense Minister of Israel, Yoav Galant, announced a mass mobilization of reservists in light of the rocket attacks, as well as a state of readiness for war.
