6:30 am

Rockets fired

Hamas fires thousands of rockets into southern Israel, the resulting sirens are heard as far away as the capital Tel Aviv. Hamas puts the number of rockets at 5,000 with Israel claiming only half as much were fired

Israelis take shelter

Initial reports said one woman in Israel was killed by the rockets, as people in residential areas run for shelter.

Hamas makes official announcement

“We announce the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” said Mohammed Deif, head of the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas.

7 :40 am

Israel army announces infiltration

A statement from the Israel army announces that armed individuals had crossed into Israel.

Videos emerge

Videos show Hamas fighters bulldozing a fence, driving into Israel on motorcycles and even dropping in using hang gliders.

9:45 am

Israel begins retaliation

Blasts heard in Gaza. Israel soon confirms that airstrikes are underway.

10 am

Three military bases infiltrated

The Beit Hanoun border crossing, the Zikim base, and the Gaza division headquarters are attacked by Hamas, Israel confirms

Hamas calls on West Bank

Saleh al-Arouri, deputy chief of Hamas in the occupied West Bank, calls on resistance fighters to fight.

10 pm

Hamas still fighting

AlJazeera reports Israel is still fighting Hamas in 22 locations, more than 12 hours after the attack began.

Strikes in Gaza

Airstrikes in Gaza continue late into the night.