Hamas has launched one in every of its largest assaults on Israel in years.
The militant group started its offensive – which it named “Operation Al Aqsa Storm” – on Saturday with a barrage of missiles from Gaza adopted by militants crossing the border.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared “we are at war” and launched “Operation Swords of Iron”.
Here is what we all know up to now about how the assault unfolded.
Israel-Gaza newest: Hamas fighters on the bottom after ‘5,000 rockets’ fired
7am: Hamas launches rockets
The operation began simply earlier than 7am native time and got here with out warning.
The first Israelis knew about it was through air raid sirens in southern areas close to the Gaza border.
Explosions have been reported in Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, Yavne and Kfar Aviv, whereas massive plumes of black smoke have been seen rising from plenty of Israeli cities.
Israeli officers mentioned round 2,500 rockets have been fired, although Hamas’s army commander Mohammad Deif claimed the determine was double that.
7.30am: Clashes on the Gaza border
As the rockets rained down, Hamas militants crossed into Israel utilizing paragliders, boats and on foot.
Reports emerged of armed clashes alongside the separation fence between Gaza and Israel, close to the southern city of Khan Younis.
Video filmed on Saturday morning and verified by Sky News confirmed two Hamas militants flying throughout the border into Israel.
The footage emerged as Hamas launched a video displaying armed militants coaching to make use of the paragliders in preparation for the assault.
8am: Hamas confirms duty
Around 8am native time, Hamas claimed duty and introduced it had began a brand new offensive towards Israel.
The group additionally referred to as on armed teams in Lebanon to affix the preventing.
8.30am: Israel calls up reservists and begins air strikes
Around half-hour later, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant authorized the call-up of army reservists, whereas the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIL) mentioned its militants had joined the assault.
Meanwhile, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed troops had clashed with Hamas militants at Erez Crossing – also referred to as the Beit Hanoun Crossing – on the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel.
They additionally confirmed that preventing had taken place on the Zikim base to the south of Ashkelon.
Footage then emerged of an Israeli tank on hearth on the Gaza Strip fence east of Khan Younis and, later, an Israeli armoured car being pushed into Shejaiya in Gaza.
Around this time, the IDF introduced retaliatory strikes on Gaza and mentioned an “extensive” mobilisation course of had begun.
Explosions have been reported throughout central Gaza and in Gaza City.
“Numerous IDF soldiers, including special forces, have been dispatched to the area surrounding the Gaza Strip and are operating in a number of different locations in the division in order to protect the residents of southern Israel,” mentioned an announcement.
“Dozens of IDF fighter jets struck a number of targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip.”
11am: Netanyahu says Israel ‘at conflict’
At round 11am, Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the nation in an announcement, declaring: “We are at war and we will win.”
“Our enemy will pay a price the type of which it has never known,” he added.
Source: information.sky.com”