Israel has declared a state of war as it faces a significant rocket attack from the militant organisation Hamas. The outbreak of conflict follows months of escalating violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, resulting in a high number of casualties in the occupied West Bank, unlike anything seen in years.
Visuals from the street of Ashkelon as Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas launched the biggest attack on Israel in years, in a surprise assault that combined gunmen crossing the border with a heavy barrage of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip.
Sirens were heard in Jerusalem following the rocket barrage.
In an unprecedented move, militants infiltrated southern Israeli towns using motorcycles, SUVs, and paragliders. Videos circulating on social media depicted militants firing at civilians in southern Israeli towns. One video, shot by a resident in Sderot, showed Hamas militants firing at civilian cars on a street, prompting the resident to take cover.
(The video was shared on X by international human rights lawyer Arsen Ostrovsky.)
The violence erupted shortly after Hamas, which governs Gaza, called for an end to the Israeli occupation, citing ongoing Israeli actions in Palestinian territories, particularly at the holy site of Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem.
(Visuals from Tel Aviv after barrage of rockets launched into Israel)
In a pre-recorded speech, Hamas leader Mohamed Deif declared Operation Al-Aqsa Flood and announced a significant missile and shell attack, with over 5,000 projectiles launched in the first 20 minutes.
"We have decided to put an end to all of this, with the help of God, so that the enemy understands that the time of recklessness without accountability is over. We declare Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, and the first strike has surpassed 5,000 missiles and shells in the first 20 minutes," Mohamed Deif said.