ISRAEL: As Hamas initiated a large-scale assault on Israel originating from the Gaza Strip, a troubling development unfolded in some mosques within Jerusalem. Videos circulating on social media platforms revealed the deployment of mosque loudspeakers, typically used for calls to prayer, being repurposed to rally Muslims for Jihad against Israeli defense forces.

Reports suggest that mosques in the Shuafat refugee camp, nestled within the Jerusalem municipality, were employing their amplified voices to incite Islamist sentiments among the Israeli Muslim population. They called upon Muslims and Palestinians to unite and partake in Jihad, or holy war, against the Israeli Defense Forces and the Israeli Government.

The Shuafat refugee camp stands as the sole refugee camp in Israel, situated in the northwest sector of Jerusalem. Mosques in this region recited a Quranic verse, invoking, "God will punish their murderers by your hands; Fight with them so that God will punish them by your hands."

Earlier today, Hamas launched an extensive barrage of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, targeting various civilian areas. The sheer volume of rockets overwhelmed Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. While some projectiles were successfully intercepted, others found their mark, causing significant damage within Israeli territory.

Simultaneously, Hamas operatives infiltrated Israel via land, sea, and air, executing indiscriminate terror attacks against civilians, resulting in casualties and fatalities. The Hamas militants engaged in clashes with the Israel Defense Forces in the border town of Sderot and other locations.

The Israel Defense Forces promptly responded by launching Operation "Iron Swords" in reaction to Hamas's unexpected offensive. Israel has also declared a "state of readiness for war," signaling the potential for a full-scale conflict in the near future. Presently, IDF troops are engaged in combat with Hamas fighters across at least seven different locations.

Also read: Hamas Launches 5,000 Rockets at Israel, Palestinian Fighters Enter Cities: Updates