Mohammed Deif places responsibility for unprecedented surprise attack on 'desecration of Al-Aqsa,' calls to 'Carry out your attacks on the settlements with all the means and tools at your disposal'

Terrorists breach Gaza border and infiltrate into communities in the south exchanging fire with security forces; residents call for help as troops fail to reach residents under attack; thousands of rockets target Israel

Southern city's police station reportedly under attack; Large IDF forces deployed to the mass infiltration events in Gaza border communities

At this time private flights are banned and there have been changes in the cancellation policy of Israel's airlines, authorities say while flights on rout earlier in day, redirected to Cyprus

Terrorists passing between homes, trying to enter; driver reports coming under fire by group of 30 armed terrorists on motorcycles

Messages from the US and European nations echo support and condemnation following the unexpected attack initiated by Hamas

Hamas surprise attack catches Israel off guard but Israel must brace for coordination between Hamas and other enemies in the north; the IDF will most likely deploy infantry into Gaza; Hamas' goal: to establish dominance in fight against Israel

Worried families trying to gather information on missing loved ones on social media; 'Many fell and were injured from terrorist fire. The terrorists surrounded us. We feel helpless,' says reveler