Israel has declared a ‘state of war’ after thousands of rocket strikes were launched on the Gaza strip by Palestinian militants.
At least four people have died and a further 68 are in hospital. Local police report at least 60 militants from the Hamas group have crossed the border into the country with fighting breaking out in the streets.
Horrific pictures show missiles raining down on the area, with cars on fire and tanks rolling in.
Violence has been escalating over the past 10 days, boiling over overnight and continuing into Saturday (October 7). Residents have been ordered to remain indoors.
The elusive leader of Hamas’ military wing, Mohammed Deif, announced the beginning of what he called “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm.”
In a recorded message, he said: “Enough is enough”, urging Palestinians to join the fight. Deif boasted that Hamas had fired more 5,000 rockets into Israel.
Salah Arouri, an exiled Hamas leader, said the operation was a response “to the crimes of the occupation.” Fighters were defending the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and the thousands of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, he claimed.
For all the latest updates, follow the live blog below.
