Hamas declares start of major operation against Israel, at least 22 Israelis killed
More than 5,000 rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel early on Saturday, Hamas’ armed wing said, declaring it had started “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood”.
Rockets streamed across the sky repeatedly after the first launches from multiple locations across Gaza at 06:30 am (0330 GMT).
The Israeli army warned of sirens across the country’s south and central areas, urging the public to stay near bomb shelters.
Hamas said: “We decided to put an end to all the crimes of the occupation (Israel), their time for rampaging without being held accountable is over.”
It added: “We announce Operation Al-Aqsa Flood and we fired, in the first strike of 20 minutes, more than 5,000 rockets.”
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the premier will shortly convene security chiefs over the violence.
Israel has imposed a crippling blockade on Gaza since 2007 after Hamas took power. The enclave is home to 2.3 million Palestinians. (Agencies)
