Barran Press - Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, Hebrew Media
On Sunday, October 6, 2024, Israel announced a state of unprecedented alert in anticipation of the first anniversary of the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation, initiated by Palestinian resistance on October 7, 2023.
As Israeli forces mobilized in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, a central station in Beersheba was attacked, resulting in the death of an Israeli female soldier and injuries to more than ten others.
The Israeli military declared a maximum state of readiness ahead of the October 7 anniversary, launching a concentrated operation in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza and reinforcing troops in the West Bank and Israel. Israeli broadcast authority Kan reported that the military remains on high alert amid expectations of potential attacks from Palestinian factions.
Intelligence assessments suggest that Israeli forces are preparing to counter any attempts to breach the border, with military leaders anticipating possible attacks within Israel, including potential rocket fire from Gaza.
In Gaza, the Civil Defense announced that Israeli airstrikes on Jabalia resulted in at least 17 fatalities, including nine children. The Israeli military confirmed the detection of rockets launched from northern Gaza towards southern Israel, stating that several projectiles were intercepted while others landed in open areas.
Additionally, the military reported the death of a reserve officer, a major, who succumbed to injuries sustained during combat in northern Gaza in June. Efforts are underway to secure all planned events and memorials in the region surrounding Gaza.
The military's statement emphasized its commitment to allowing memorial activities as security permits while enhancing defensive operations in the Gaza Division with additional combat units.
In the lead-up to October 7, Israel bolstered its Gaza Division with more troops and initiated a targeted operation against Jabalia, accusing Hamas of repositioning forces there. Reinforcements were also deployed in the West Bank and central Israel.
During a situational assessment, the commander of the Southern Command reiterated that Israeli forces are actively engaged in offensive military operations across northern, southern, and central Gaza, maintaining readiness to face any potential threats.
Despite the heightened security measures in Gaza, the West Bank, and within Israel, an early blow was dealt to Israeli security when an armed assailant attacked individuals at the central station in Beersheba, killing one soldier and injuring 13 others.
According to the Israeli police, the incident involved gunfire and stabbings at the station, with security forces quickly responding and shooting the assailant. Initial investigations revealed that the attacker, identified as 29-year-old Ahmad Saeed Al-Aqbi from Hura in the Negev Desert, opened fire at people near a McDonald's branch entrance before being neutralized by armed personnel on site.