Israel was hit by an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip on October 7, with Hamas movement's troops infiltrating border areas. On October 8, the Israeli government announced that it had invoked Article 40 of the Basic Law, which means the country was officially in a state of war.

Around 200-300 Hamas Militants Reportedly Infiltrated Israel, Dozens Remain in Country

17:48, 7 October 2023

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Between 200 and 300 Hamas militants have infiltrated Israeli border areas during the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and dozens of fighters still remain in the country, the Haaretz newspaper reported on Saturday, citing the police.

Sputnik

Israel was hit by an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip on Saturday morning. The Israeli army said radicals fired more than 3,000 rockets, adding that dozens of terrorists infiltrated border areas in southern Israel. The Israeli military has since sent forces to the southern territories to reconquer them from militants.

Also on Saturday, a military wing of the Palestinian group Hamas announced Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel. Hamas claimed to have captured more than 35 Israeli soldiers and settlers. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the launch of Operation Iron Swords against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an address to the nation that Israel was at war and that he had ordered a full mobilization of reserves. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in an emergency meeting with a number of officials, stressed the right of the Palestinian people to defend themselves against Israeli troops and settlers.