In a sudden escalation of hostilities that has ruptured months of relative calm, a barrage of rockets launched from Gaza struck the central Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, alarming residents and provoking a robust response from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Hamas, the Islamist militant group governing Gaza, has claimed responsibility for the rocket fire, which they say is in retaliation for IDF operations in the territory.
The IDF has confirmed that eight rockets were launched from the southern Gaza Strip, specifically from Rafah, an area recently targeted by Israeli strikes. Despite the interception of a number of these projectiles by the IDF’s Aerial Defense Array, the attack caused panic and injuries among the populace, with loud booms reverberating through Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, Herzliya, and Ramat Hasharon.
Shrapnel from the rockets caused minor property damage, such as a parked car in Herzliya, although there were no direct casualties from the rocket fire itself. Some residents sustained injuries while running to shelters, an all-too-familiar response for those living within the range of Gaza’s rockets.
This offensive marks the first instance in several months that central Israel has been targeted, and it comes amidst a backdrop of severe humanitarian crises unfolding in Gaza. Just hours after the rocket attack, Israeli airstrikes in Rafah reportedly hit a displaced persons camp, leading to significant casualties.
Gaza’s Ministry of Health has reported at least 35 deaths and dozens of injuries from the Israeli airstrike, the majority being women and children. Eyewitnesses describe the targeted site as being close to the largest United Nations warehouse in Gaza, and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society has indicated that the death toll may yet rise, as search and rescue efforts are ongoing.
The IDF acknowledged the strike, targeting a Hamas compound where “A short while ago, an IDF aircraft struck a Hamas compound in Rafah in which significant Hamas terrorists were operating,” according to their statement. The IDF asserts that the airstrike was carried out against legitimate targets under international law, using precise munitions based on accurate intelligence. However, they acknowledge reports of civilian casualties due to a fire ignited by the strike and have indicated that the incident is under review.
This latest surge in violence has occurred despite recent international efforts to broker a ceasefire and address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell has echoed calls for an immediate ceasefire, expressing concern over escalating settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
The war between Israel and Hamas, which began in October the previous year with a devastating attack by Hamas militants on Israeli soil, has claimed nearly 36,000 Palestinian lives, as per local health officials, and has led to widespread displacement and famine conditions.
As the IDF continues its operations and with Hamas firing rockets capable of reaching Israel’s economic hub, the prospects of ceasefire and hostage release negotiations—scheduled to resume next week—hang in the balance. International mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States remain engaged in seeking a resolution, though it is uncertain how the latest round of violence will impact these diplomatic efforts.
Relevant articles:
– Massive Gaza rocket barrage targets Tel Aviv, central Israel , m.jpost.com, 05/26/2024
– At least 35 killed in Israeli airstrike on displaced persons camp in Rafah, health ministry says, hours after Hamas fired rockets into Israel, CBS News, 05/26/2024
– Hamas launches rocket attack towards Tel Aviv, BBC.com, 05/26/2024
– Hamas war: Rockets fired at Israel from Gaza – DW – 05/26/2024, DW (English), 05/26/2024
– Palestinians Report at Least 35 Killed by Israeli Strikes on Displaced Area in Rafah, Haaretz, 05/26/2024
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