Israel-Gaza latest: Hamas militants infiltrate country amid barrage of rockets — follow live
Gaza #Gaza
Hamas militants launched the biggest attack on Israel in years this morning, with thousands of rockets fired into the country and gunmen crossing the border.
Mohammad Deif, the military commander of the Islamist movement, announced the start of the operation in a broadcast on Hamas media, calling on Palestinians everywhere to fight.
“We’ve decided to say enough is enough,” he said in a recorded message. “This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth.”
Rockets are launched from Gaza into Israel by the military wing of Hamas
MOHAMMED SABER/EPA
A Palestinian man takes a selfie in front of a burning Israeli tank
YASSER QUDIH/REUTERS
He claimed 5,000 rockets had been launched as part of “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm” and called on all Palestinians to join the uprising.
Armed clashes were reported along the border fence as the Israeli military urged residents living near Gaza to stay in their homes.
“The