The Israeli embassy in Portugal confirmed on Saturday that the Israeli army has declared a “state of war and the highest level of emergency alert” following a Hamas attack on Israeli territory that caused civilian casualties.
The embassy added that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) “called for the mobilization of reserves” and “asked all civilians to remain in their homes.”
“Israel is shocked by the surprise attack and the unprovoked aggression. Israel has not only the right but also the obligation to defend its citizens, their lives and security,” the Israeli embassy in Lisbon said in a statement.
The Islamist group Hamas launched an attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip at 6:30 am today, sending more than 5,000 rockets through the air.
According to the Israeli representation in Lisbon, “under the cover of a barrage of rockets launched from Gaza, targeting civilians, dozens of terrorists infiltrated Israel” and since then “the majority of Israeli citizens are hiding in shelters.”
“The terrorists entered private homes, took hostages, killed civilians and kidnapped soldiers, civilians and bodies. [cadáveres] to Gaza. We have confirmed Israeli civilian casualties as terrorists continue to target civilians, women and children. Celebrations over the death of Israelis have been held in Gaza since the morning,” he added.
The Islamic Jihad group in the West Bank joined Hamas “calling for ‘total mobilization’ to kill Israelis,” the embassy added, also emphasizing that “mosques in Shoafat (East Jerusalem) are killing Muslim citizens in Asking Israel to take up arms and kill Israelites as well.”
The commander of Hamas’s armed wing today confirmed the start of Operation ‘Al-Aqsa Storm’, launching more than 5,000 rockets into Israel from Gaza, calling for the uprising of all Arabs on Israeli soil.
The commander regretted that Hamas’ requests for “humanitarian exchanges” had been rejected and that “violations in the West Bank continue every day.”
In response, Israel bombed several Hamas facilities in the Gaza Strip from the air, launching Operation ‘Iron Swords’, the military announced.
So far, the escalation has resulted in three confirmed deaths, one in Israel and two in Gaza, according to official sources, although these are preliminary figures.
Source: DN
