Rocket sirens pierced the calm of central Israel cities, including the bustling economic hub of Tel Aviv, heralding the first long-range attack from Gaza in months. Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, launched at least eight rockets from the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, with Israel’s air defenses intercepting several. The attack claimed by Hamas was characterized as a response to the “Zionist massacres against civilians.”
This latest military flare-up has come after a period of relative calm in central Israel, with sirens last sounding due to Gaza-related rocket attacks four months ago. Despite the resumption of hostilities, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.
The attack occurred hours after a newly brokered agreement allowed aid trucks to enter Gaza from Israel through the Kerem Shalom crossing, sidestepping the traditional Rafah route due to the seizure of the Palestinian side by Israeli forces. This maneuver followed President Joe Biden’s dialogue with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, although the agreement’s future seems precarious amid the ongoing violence.
As negotiations appeared stalled, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt continued diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
“There is progress,” a senior Biden administration official told CBS News. “Contacts are ongoing and we are working closely with Egyptian and Qatari mediators. These contacts will continue through the coming week as we seek to move the negotiating process forward.”
The conflict between Israel and Hamas, now in its eighth month, has resulted in a devastating death toll of nearly 36,000 Palestinians and massive displacement. Amidst the chaos, nearly 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been forced to flee their homes, with severe hunger and parts of the territory experiencing famine. Hamas, which initiated the war with an attack on Israel on October 7, still holds around 100 hostages, as well as the remains of about 30 others, with most having been released during a ceasefire last year.
The rocket attack might be an attempt by Hamas to display its strength or potentially derail the negotiations. Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues its operations in Rafah, maintaining a hard stance despite growing international pressure and recent rulings by the International Court of Justice ordering the cessation of its offensive in Rafah and granting war crimes investigators access to Gaza.
Relevant articles:
– Israel-Gaza live updates: Hamas fighters launch rocket attack on Israel, ABC News, 05/26/2024
– Hamas launches rocket attack towards Tel Aviv area, BBC.com, 05/26/2024
– Hamas rocket attack from Gaza sets off air raid sirens in Tel Aviv for the first time in months, The Associated Press, 05/26/2024
– Hamas fires barrage of rockets into central Israel for the first time in months, CBS News, 05/26/2024
– Israel-Gaza live updates:, ABC News, 05/26/2024
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