"An IDF spokesperson announced that the operation against the Hamas terrorist organization has been named 'Iron Swords,'" the IDF said in a statement.
The Israeli military also said that dozens of its fighter jets were currently striking Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip.
"In response to the barrage of rockets launched by Hamas from Gaza at Israel, the IDF is currently striking Hamas targets in Gaza," the IDF said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Earlier in the day, the IDF declared a "state of alert" after militants from the Gaza Strip infiltrated the border areas amid a rocket barrage from the enclave.
"The Israel Defense Forces declare a state of alert," the IDF said in a statement.
Civilians in the southern and central regions of the country should remain near shelters, and those in the areas near the Gaza Strip inside shelters, according to the statement.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced the large-scale call-up of reservists amid the threat to the national security.
Earlier in the day, the IDF said militants from the Gaza Strip had infiltrated Israel, as sirens were heard in Tel Aviv and Israeli air defenses were working to shot down dozens of rockets fired at the city. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu headed to the headquarters of the Defense Ministry to hold an emergency meeting with the military command
The military wing of the Palestinian movement Hamas, the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced an operation against Israel on Saturday, saying it had fired 5,000 rockets.
"We announce the start of the operation ‘Al-Aqsa Flood.’ We announce the first strike on military positions, airports and enemy fortifications, more than 5,000 missiles were fired," Mohammed Deif, the commander of the Al-Qassam Brigades, said.
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