Rocket attacks in southern and central Israel have reportedly been launched by armed groups from the Gaza Strip, some of whom have infiltrated Israeli territory.

Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack.

As Reuters reports, in the early hours of Saturday morning (7/10), sirens warning of incoming rockets sounded in areas of southern and central Israel, while in the Gaza Strip the constant roar of rockets could be heard, according to local witnesses. 

The Israeli military also reported the infiltration of an unspecified number of terrorists into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip. Residents in neighboring areas of the Gaza Strip were told to stay indoors, the Army added, as dozens of rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel for over an hour.

Gaza residents reported hearing gunfire along the fence with Israel near the southern city of Khan Younis and saw movements of armed fighters.

The Israeli Ambulance Service said that teams had been sent to areas in southern Israel near Gaza and that residents had been warned to stay indoors.

So far, it has been reported that an Israeli woman has been killed.

Israeli media reported that gunmen opened fire on passers-by in the southern Israeli city of Sderot, while videos circulating on social media show clashes on city streets.

Mohammad Deif, a senior Hamas military commander, later announced to the organization’s media that this was the beginning of Operation “Al-Aqsa Storm” and called on Palestinians to fight wherever they are, adding that Hamas fired 5,000 rockets.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that he would meet with senior security officials in the coming hours. At the same time, the Israeli Armed Forces emphasize that Hamas will face the consequences and responsibility for its attack.

Also read: Egypt | Nine military officers killed or injured in an accident during an exercise