Hamas attack on Israel, day three: main events

On Monday night and early morning, the Israeli military and Palestinian militants continued fighting. The Israeli military announced that it had launched a large-scale attack on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

The start of the operation was announced by both the Israeli Defense Forces and the Air Force. Meanwhile, Hamas resumed rocket attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip. At least three explosions took place in Jerusalem, and Ashkelon and Ashdod were also shelled. Israel has previously stated that it has regained control of settlements in the south seized by Hamas militants, but fighting is still ongoing as Palestinian extremists are still present in the country. A ground operation is expected to begin in Gaza in the near future. Troops are being sent to the south of the country.

In response to the attack, Israel has recruited a record number of reservists – 300,000 – and is “going on the offensive,” IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said on Monday. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said he had ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip.

On Monday night, Hamas launched a series of rocket attacks on the city of Ashkelon, which is located in southwestern Israel on the Mediterranean coast. According to Israeli media, some missiles hit residential buildings, while others were shot down by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system.

Since Saturday, 3,284 rockets have been fired from the Gaza Strip (according to Hamas, more than 5,000).

Photo: Pexel