JERUSALEM: The death toll in Hamas’s large-scale ‘Al-Aqsa storm operation’ against Israel has climbed to at least 100, according to reports from occupied lands. In a major offensive, Palestinians launched a surprise attack involving fighters crossing into Israeli-occupied cities and a heavy barrage of rockets from the Gaza Strip.
Videos circulating online purportedly depict resistance fighters inside an Israeli military base, while Israeli soldiers’ bodies lie on the ground. Israeli sources confirm at least 40 Israelis have been killed, and over 800 are injured, as per Israel’s N12 News, citing the Israeli ambulance service.
In response to the Hamas operation, Israeli air attacks were launched, resulting in a reported 200 Palestinians martyred and over 1,600 injured, as stated by medical sources in Gaza. The offensive began just before 7 a.m., catching Israelis off guard during the weeklong Sukkot festival celebrations. Hundreds of rockets were fired at Israel, with approximately 600 injured individuals taken to hospitals, including 105 in critical condition.
Israel Confirms Hamas Hostages Israelis
The Israel Defense Forces’ spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, said that Hamas group has taken Israelis as hostages to the Gaza Strip. In media briefing, Hagari said Israeli soldiers have also been killed in the offensive.
The Zionist regime issued orders for residents near Gaza to remain indoors, citing a “suspected security incident” along the border. The sounds of rockets were heard in Gaza, and sirens blared as far as Tel Aviv, 70 kilometers (40 miles) to the north, during an intense 30-minute barrage. Palestinian resistance fighters captured at least 163 soldiers, with reports suggesting that Israeli Commander Nimrod Aloni has been captured by Hamas forces.
Red alert sirens blared in various Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, Sde Boker, Arad, and Dimona, as explosions reverberated across the region. Rockets struck areas, leaving cars in flames, notably in Ashkelon, southern Israel. Hamas’ armed wing claimed responsibility for firing over 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, declaring the offensive as “Operation al-Aqsa Flood.”
