As shootouts between Hamas and Israeli security forces continued in southern Israeli communities on Monday morning, the Israel Defense Forces said it suspected new infiltrations from Gaza via tunnels.
“We are currently investigating the possibility that terrorists have infiltrated Israel through tunnels. Field scans are underway to confirm this. As of now, there are six active battle zones in the Gaza Strip,” said IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari.
“Last night, approximately 70 terrorists infiltrated Kibbutz Be’eri. Most were killed ... but some have barricaded themselves in homes within the kibbutz. In Kfar Aza, our forces identified seven terrorists who, after an exchange of gunfire, fled and are now hiding in the kibbutz’s fields. Other affected locations include Nirim, Alumim, Sha’ar Hanegev, Nir Oz and Holit. There are still terrorists in the area,” said Hagari.
Another terrorist was thwarted on Monday morning trying to penetrate the Zikim military base.
Meanwhile, residents of Sderot were warned to stay in their homes as security forces searched for terrorists in the city. Shortly afterwards, the Red Alert rocket warning was triggered, sending residents to bomb shelters.
Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi told the Tazpit Press Service, “We are 48 hours after the war started, Sderot is under fire and infiltrated by terrorists. Together with the security forces, we both neutralize the terrorists and take care of the civilians.”
He added: “The nation of Israel is the eternal people. The country is now under severe attack but with God’s help we will win and our army will win.”
At least 700 people have been killed and 2,300 injured since Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel on Saturday, taking hostages back to Gaza. Gaza terror groups have also fired at least 3,000 rockets.
