Following a substantial barrage of rocket fire from Hamas, Israel has responded with air strikes across Gaza, resulting in numerous casualties. As both sides continue to exchange hostilities, global leaders seek to mediate a ceasefire.
Escalating Conflict: Israel Launches Air Strikes in Response to Heavy Hamas Rocket Fire
Escalating Conflict: Israel Launches Air Strikes in Response to Heavy Hamas Rocket Fire
Tensions rise as Israeli retaliatory air strikes target Gaza following one of the most intense rocket attacks by Hamas in recent months, igniting fears of further escalation.
In the latest escalation of violence, Israel has conducted air strikes on Gaza after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed military action in retaliation for one of Hamas's heaviest rocket fire barrages in months. The Israeli military reported that approximately half of the 10 rockets launched from Gaza late Sunday landed within Israeli territory, while the others were intercepted. Falling debris injured one person, according to Israeli medical sources.
Netanyahu's directive for a "strong response" came as he traveled to Washington, where he is set to meet with US President Donald Trump. In the aftermath of Israeli strikes, the Hamas-run health ministry indicated at least 56 Palestinians died in Gaza within a 24-hour period.
Tragically, the violence also claimed the life of Palestinian journalist Helmi al-Faqaawi from Palestine Today TV. A tent used by local media in Khan Younis was struck, resulting in injuries to nine others, as reported by both the Hamas Government Media Office and the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate. Footage showed responders battling flames from the explosion at the tent located within the Nasser hospital compound, which has been targeted multiple times by Israeli air strikes since the war began in October 2023. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have accused Hamas of utilizing hospitals to conceal military operations and store weaponry, a claim that Hamas rejects.
Earlier in the day, the IDF stated it had successfully targeted the rocket launch facility, urging residents in various Deir al-Balah districts to evacuate in anticipation of further strikes. Lt Col Avichay Adraee, an IDF Arabic spokesperson, warned of severe retaliatory measures against any area from which rockets are fired.
Hamas claimed that their recent rocket attacks were a direct response to Israeli "massacres of civilians" in Gaza. Meanwhile, reports indicated that rockets struck the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon, causing property damage, as drone footage captured explosions amidst city sirens.
Although the frequency of Hamas's rocket launches decreased after initial months of intense conflict due to Israel's focused military campaigns, they have continued intermittent attacks, confirming that the group still retains military capabilities. Following the rocket launcher strikes, Israel's air campaign persisted throughout the night, with reports of targets struck across different Gaza regions.
International efforts for a ceasefire are ongoing, as French President Emmanuel Macron engages in discussions with Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Cairo. Netanyahu highlighted that discussions about the ongoing Gaza conflict and the plight of 59 hostages held by Hamas will be a focal point in his meetings with Trump at the White House.
The resurgence of hostilities follows Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 individuals taken as hostages to Gaza. Since then, the Hamas-run health ministry reports over 50,750 Palestinians have died during the Israeli military operations.
Netanyahu's directive for a "strong response" came as he traveled to Washington, where he is set to meet with US President Donald Trump. In the aftermath of Israeli strikes, the Hamas-run health ministry indicated at least 56 Palestinians died in Gaza within a 24-hour period.
Tragically, the violence also claimed the life of Palestinian journalist Helmi al-Faqaawi from Palestine Today TV. A tent used by local media in Khan Younis was struck, resulting in injuries to nine others, as reported by both the Hamas Government Media Office and the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate. Footage showed responders battling flames from the explosion at the tent located within the Nasser hospital compound, which has been targeted multiple times by Israeli air strikes since the war began in October 2023. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have accused Hamas of utilizing hospitals to conceal military operations and store weaponry, a claim that Hamas rejects.
Earlier in the day, the IDF stated it had successfully targeted the rocket launch facility, urging residents in various Deir al-Balah districts to evacuate in anticipation of further strikes. Lt Col Avichay Adraee, an IDF Arabic spokesperson, warned of severe retaliatory measures against any area from which rockets are fired.
Hamas claimed that their recent rocket attacks were a direct response to Israeli "massacres of civilians" in Gaza. Meanwhile, reports indicated that rockets struck the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon, causing property damage, as drone footage captured explosions amidst city sirens.
Although the frequency of Hamas's rocket launches decreased after initial months of intense conflict due to Israel's focused military campaigns, they have continued intermittent attacks, confirming that the group still retains military capabilities. Following the rocket launcher strikes, Israel's air campaign persisted throughout the night, with reports of targets struck across different Gaza regions.
International efforts for a ceasefire are ongoing, as French President Emmanuel Macron engages in discussions with Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Cairo. Netanyahu highlighted that discussions about the ongoing Gaza conflict and the plight of 59 hostages held by Hamas will be a focal point in his meetings with Trump at the White House.
The resurgence of hostilities follows Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 individuals taken as hostages to Gaza. Since then, the Hamas-run health ministry reports over 50,750 Palestinians have died during the Israeli military operations.
