Israel: 'State of war' declared after thousands of rockets fired from Gaza Strip

Synopsis

Warning sirens sound across Southern and Central Israel, including Jerusalem, as Israel's military declares a state of war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes an emergency meeting of security officials following a barrage of over 5,000 rockets fired from Gaza by Hamas. This attack, which begins just before 7:00 AM Israel time, leads to air raid sirens activating in multiple Israeli towns, prompting residents to seek shelter. The Israeli ambulance service reports one fatality and at least 15 injuries, with expectations that these numbers may rise. In an unprecedented move, some Hamas fighters breach the border into Israel, reportedly using paragliders. This escalation occurs during a significant weekend, coinciding with the Jewish festival of Sukkot and the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, raising concerns about Israel's response to this sudden and severe threat.