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 | This article covers a current event. The information presented may become rapidly obsolete as new developments take place. |
Operation Storm of Al-Aqsa (Arabic: Tufan Al-Aqsa, طوفان الأقصى) is an incursion into occupied territory conducted by the Palestinian resistance groups in Gaza on 7 October, 2023.
Timeline of events
On Saturday morning, 7 October 2023, the joint Palestinian resistance groups in Gaza (Hamas, PFLP, Islamic Jihad) started firing rockets at settlements outside of Gaza. The Iron Dome, Israel's anti-missile defense system, failed to intercept more rockets than usual.
At the same time, resistance units penetrated through the border fence surrounding the Gaza strip. Methods to get through the fence included the use of paragliders. In a video, a hole can be seen cut in the fence with motorcycle units being conveyed through.
Afterwards, the resistance units moved into several settlements surrounding the Gaza strip, including Asqalan (Ashkelon), Erez and Sderot. Up to 7 settlements have been reportedly taken over.
The units quickly moved to neutralize the IDF presence in these towns, including incursions into barracks in record time, where most occupation soldiers were taken out before they even realized what was happening.
Videos on social media show Palestinian fighters walking freely through the streets of settlements,[1] indicating they were successfully taken over and all occupation driven out in some way.
Aftermath
This event is still technically ongoing.
Israeli public broadcaster Kan News said that the operation came as a complete surprise to the IDF.
Other media reported that over 35 prisoners of war had been captured by the resistance. Videos show some of them being taken back to Gaza.
At the same time, settlers were filmed scrambling to leave.[2][3]
Gaza resistance groups also indicated they had seized military equipment, including vehicles, from the barracks.
References
- ↑ @Marxozoic (2023-10-07). "This is unprecedented in Palestinian history. Palestinian Resistance fighters stroll through the Israeli settlement of Sderot." Twitter.
- ↑ @Mango_Press_ (2023-10-07). "Settlers run! #Palestine" Twitter.
- ↑ @ME_Observer_ (2023-10-07). "Foreign squatters flee to the airport" Twitter.