Hamas militants launch biggest attack on Israel in years

Hamas militants launched the biggest attack on Israel in years this morning, with thousands of rockets fired into the country and gunmen crossing the border. Mohammad Deif, the military commander of the Islamist movement, announced the start of the operation in a broadcast on Hamas media, calling on Palestinians everywhere to fight. “We’ve decided to say enough is enough,” he said in a recorded message. “This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth.” “The military declares a state of war alert,” it said in a statement. “The Hamas terrorist organisation had begun a massive shooting of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory, and terrorists infiltrated into Israeli territory in a number of different locations. “The Israeli Defence Forces will defend Israeli civilians and the Hamas terrorist organisation will pay a heavy price for its actions.” Read the best of our journalism: Subscribe to The Times and The Sunday Times YouTube channel: Find us on Facebook: Find us on Twitter: Find us on Instagram: #israel #palestine #gaza #hamas