Hamas Leader Declares Operation Al-Aqsa Flood in Response to Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Attacks

Hamas leader Mohammad Deif has declared the commencement of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood as a response to recent Israeli attacks, which included rocket strikes and an incursion into Gaza Envelope settlements. Deif cited the desecration of the al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli occupation and the assaults on women within its premises as the driving force behind this operation. He revealed that over 5,000 rockets and shells were fired during the initial phase of the strikes. Deif issued a message to Palestinian Resistance fighters, emphasizing that it’s their moment to convey that the Israeli occupation’s time is over. He also reminded the occupation of prior warnings against mistreating women worshipers and violating al-Aqsa’s sanctity. He called upon Palestinians in the West Bank to initiate actions against settlements and overthrow the occupation, urging those in occupied al-Quds and the 1948 territories to join the struggle. Deif encouraged Palestinians to employ any available means and appealed to the Resistance in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Iran, emphasizing the need for unity on various fronts. Additionally, he called upon Malaysians, Algerians, Moroccans, Jordanians, Egyptians, and the wider Arab and Islamic world to support the operation.

Hamas Leader Characterizes Operation Al-Aqsa Flood as a Strong Reaction to Israeli Transgressions

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has underscored that Operation Al-Aqsa Flood constitutes a resolute response to Israeli transgressions. He described the Palestinian Resistance’s current struggle as a heroic and historic endeavour centred around al-Aqsa, sacred sites, and imprisoned Palestinians. Haniyeh stressed that this is not a time for passivity or token support, stating that the operation’s scope extends beyond Gaza, reaching the West Bank and wherever Palestinians reside. The primary motivation for this operation, Haniyeh emphasized, is the aggressive actions by Zionist forces against the revered al-Aqsa Mosque, culminating in recent heightened tensions. He highlighted the intrusion of thousands of Israeli settlers into the sacred site, including their prayers as part of Yom Kippur observances, as a particularly provocative act. Haniyeh made it clear that silence in the face of such desecration and aggression would not be tolerated, even if the international community remained unresponsive. He expressed confidence that the entire Palestinian nation, spanning from east to west and north to south, would stand united in defending Masjid Al-Aqsa. Furthermore, Haniyeh appealed to Muslims worldwide and all advocates of justice to support this righteous cause and defend al-Aqsa using any means available.

Palestinian Resistance Factions Simultaneously Declare their Mobilization

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s military wing, Al-Quds Brigades, has officially joined Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, as confirmed by their military spokesperson, Abu Hamza, on Saturday. Abu Hamza declared the unity of Al-Quds Brigades fighters with their counterparts in Hamas, with a shared commitment to achieving victory. In a subsequent statement on the same day, Abu Hamza highlighted a new phase of success for the Resistance, noting that repeated calls for settlers to peacefully vacate occupied territories had gone unanswered. Consequently, the Resistance initiated this historic and impactful operation, demonstrating their commitment to fulfilling promises. Abu Hamza emphasized that Al-Quds Brigades fighters remain stationed near various Israeli settlements, alongside fellow fighters from other Palestinian factions. Notably, he highlighted that the military wing of the PIJ currently holds multiple Israeli occupation soldiers as captives.

In the West Bank, various Resistance groups have initiated mobilization efforts in solidarity with Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. The Lions’ Den, based in the West Bank, declared a state of general mobilization, aligning themselves with the ongoing operation. Simultaneously, al-Qassam Brigades and al-Quds Brigades in Jenin reported executing a shooting operation near the Salem checkpoint in Jenin earlier in the day. The Lions’ Den called upon its fighters to promptly respond to the call to join the operation and urged them to engage in ambushes against Israeli occupation forces. Furthermore, the group appealed to people worldwide to stage demonstrations in support of the operation, which was launched in response to ongoing Israeli aggressions in the West Bank and al-Quds. Meanwhile, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades declared an open war and called upon all their fighters and military cells in the West Bank and the 1948-occupied Palestinian territories to actively participate in the operation. In a related context, the Abu Ali Mustapha Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, encouraged members of the Palestinian Security Services to join the battle alongside the Palestinian populace.

Israeli Cabinet Convened Seven Hours after the Initiation of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

The Israeli cabinet convened seven hours after the commencement of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, according to reports in Israeli media. The security cabinet meeting began 50 minutes later than scheduled, following the launch of the operation by Palestinian Resistance forces in response to perceived Israeli violations against the sacred al-Aqsa Mosque. Additionally, Israeli media reported a cyber attack targeting Israel, with the Israeli occupation’s Information Security Unit detecting a large-scale cyberattack attempt. Some Israeli media outlets proposed the formation of an official investigation committee to examine the significant intelligence failures of the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate and the Shin Bet. They noted that Hamas had successfully disrupted power supplies to certain settlements and damaged cellular communications. Earlier, Israeli media had commented on the unfolding events in occupied Palestine, stating that Israel had limited control over the situation in the Gaza envelope. There were observations that some individuals had not fully grasped the severity of the situation. Israeli media emphasized the significance of what it described as “the most strategic event in the Palestinian context,” which had taken Israel by surprise, resulting in panicked calls from settlers requesting police assistance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that Israel was at war and characterized Hamas’s actions as a surprise attack.

300 Israelis were Reported Killed, with 750 Still Missing as the Palestinian Resistance Continues its Operation

Israeli media has reported unofficial estimates indicating that approximately 750 Israelis are still missing, even though a full day has passed since the commencement of the operation. Palestinian fighters remain present in Israeli settlements, and confrontations continue in areas such as ‘Kfar Azza’ and ‘Be’eri.’ Control over regions including ‘Sderot,’ ‘Zikim,’ ‘Re’im,’ and ‘Sufa’ has not yet been established. Simultaneously, the Israeli Health Ministry has raised the death toll to 300, with 1,864 individuals injured, including 19 in a clinically dead state and 326 in critical condition. Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas movement, have affirmed that ongoing confrontations persist between the Resistance and Israeli occupation forces across various fronts, including ‘Sufa’ and ‘Kibbutz Holit.’ Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for Al-Qassam Brigades, conveyed a message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that his threats towards Gaza are futile in the face of significant Israeli casualties and desertions. He emphasized that the Israeli entity is grappling with a profound crisis after witnessing the bravery of Palestinian fighters. He also confirmed that the number of Israeli prisoners is “several times greater than the Zionist entity thinks.”

Gaza Ministry of Health Reports 230 martyrs and 1,700 Injuries Amid Israeli Aggression

The Gaza Ministry of Health has reported that in the midst of Israeli airstrikes and Palestinian Resistance retaliation, there have been extensive casualties. The Palestinian side’s shelling is a response to Operation Al-Aqsa Flood and the Israeli occupation’s bombing of residential structures. The indiscriminate Israeli shelling has resulted in a significant number of civilian casualties, with reports indicating that nearly 232 Palestinians, including 20 children, have lost their lives due to the Israeli aggression. Additionally, approximately 1,800 Palestinians have been wounded, as stated by the Gaza MOH. The Palestinian MOH has underlined the relentless efforts of its medical teams, who are tirelessly working to rescue and provide urgent care to those injured. They emphasize that they are operating at full capacity and have initiated a code red alert. Meanwhile, Israeli occupation forces continue to target residential buildings, infrastructure, facilities, and Resistance sites in the Gaza Strip.

International and Arab Support for Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

The Al-Aqsa Flood operation launched by the Palestinian resistance on Saturday has garnered significant international and Arab solidarity and support. Several Arab and Islamic countries have expressed their strong backing for Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, condemning the actions of the Israeli entity. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan saw a solidarity campaign for Gaza, with calls to expel the Israeli ambassador, head to the Jordan Valley near the Israeli border, and open crossings. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry held the Israeli entity solely responsible for the current escalation, emphasizing the need for urgent international intervention to prevent further civilian casualties in Gaza. The Omani Foreign Ministry attributed the ongoing escalation to the Zionist entity’s continued attacks. Algeria demonstrated its staunch support for the Palestinian resistance by organizing a protest in its capital in solidarity with Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Iran hailed Operation Al-Aqsa Flood as a pivotal moment in the Palestinian resistance and a new chapter in the fight against the occupation forces. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani described it as establishing a new phase in the resistance and armed struggle against the occupiers. The Supreme Political Council in Yemen reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian people, pledging to stand with them until complete victory is achieved.