JERUSALEM

The Israeli army on Monday evening called on the public to prepare to remain in shelters for 72 hours and to stock up on sufficient water and food.

“In light of the development of fighting in various fields, equipment must be prepared that allows you and your family to remain in the protected area for up to 72 hours,” the Home Front Command said in a statement.

The statement stated that supplies should include "three liters of water per person per day, a stock of dry and canned food, battery-operated lighting or flashlights, a battery-operated radio, and portable batteries for cellphones."

The leadership also called on Israelis to "also put in their bags medicines, first aid, personal documents, money, and necessary supplies for children and pets."

Gaza-based resistance group Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel early on Saturday, firing a barrage of rockets. It said the surprise attack was in response to the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and growing settler violence.

In retaliation, the Israeli army launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

At least 900 Israelis have been killed and over 2,616 wounded since Saturday while 687 Palestinians have been killed and over 3,700 injured.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat