In a rapidly developing situation, Israeli airstrikes are in response to one of the most substantial rocket attacks from Hamas in recent months, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
**Escalating Conflict: Israel Strikes Gaza After Intense Hamas Rocket Barrage**
**Escalating Conflict: Israel Strikes Gaza After Intense Hamas Rocket Barrage**
Fresh military actions unfold as tensions mount between Israel and Hamas following heightened rocket fire.
Israel has carried out new air strikes against Gaza, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. This response comes after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for retaliation following one of the heaviest barrages of rockets fired by Hamas in recent months. The Israeli military confirmed that around half of the ten rockets launched from Gaza late on Sunday impacted Israel, while the remainder were intercepted. Meanwhile, reports from Israeli medical teams indicate that at least one individual was injured due to falling debris from intercepts.
While Netanyahu was en route to Washington for discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, he emphasized the need for a "strong response" to what he termed as aggression from Hamas. The Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza reported devastating impacts, claiming that Israeli attacks have resulted in at least 56 Palestinian fatalities within the previous 24 hours, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The conflict took a tragic turn when a Palestinian journalist was killed, and nine others sustained injuries from an airstrike that targeted a media tent in Khan Younis. The deceased journalist was identified as Helmi al-Faqaawi, associated with Palestine Today TV. Reports indicate rising tensions as the IDF dismissed the incident and reiterated claims that Hamas uses civilian infrastructures, including hospitals, as operational bases.
In a show of force, the IDF had targeted the launcher believed to be behind the rocket fire and warned residents in central Gaza districts to clear the area to avoid further strikes. The Hamas-initiated rocket fire was characterized as retaliation to continual Israeli attacks on Gaza, with prominent Palestinian officials condemning what they describe as Israeli war crimes against civilians.
The violence has cast a long shadow over ongoing diplomatic efforts, with French President Emmanuel Macron engaging in discussions with Egyptian and Jordanian leaders in an attempt to facilitate a ceasefire. Netanyahu's forthcoming meeting with Trump is expected to address ongoing military operations in Gaza and the situation of hostages held by Hamas.
The current hostilities follow escalated tensions dating back to October 7, 2023, when a Hamas attack yielded considerable casualties, leading to a severe Israeli military response. As the conflict evolves, the death toll among Palestinians reportedly exceeds 50,000, according to figures released by the Hamas health ministry, highlighting the profound humanitarian impact of the ongoing hostilities.
