Israel Faces New Year Rocket Barrage from Gaza; Hamas Claims Responsibility
As Israel welcomed the New Year, the festivities were disrupted by a series of rocket attacks launched from the Gaza Strip, targeting both Tel Aviv and southern Israel. The assault prompted air-raid sirens, triggering a swift response from Israeli missile defense systems that intercepted the rockets.
The attacks occurred at the stroke of midnight, with one targeting southern Israel and another aimed at Tel Aviv a minute later, as reported by journalists on the ground. Revelers who had gathered to celebrate New Year’s Eve found themselves seeking shelter amidst the sudden chaos, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by the region.
“I was terrified, like it was the first time I saw missiles; it’s terrifying,” shared Gabriel Zemelman, who had come to celebrate with friends at a Tel Aviv bar.
The military wing of Hamas, known as the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for both rocket attacks through a video posted on social media. In their statement, they asserted the use of M90 rockets as a “response to the massacres of civilians” they allege were committed by Israel.
The Israeli military confirmed the attacks and underscored the timing chosen by Hamas to initiate the rocket barrage. “Hamas decided to start 2024 by launching a barrage of rockets at Israel,” stated the Israeli military on social media.
The rocket assaults come amid an already tense situation, with Israel continuing its bombardment of the Gaza Strip. The conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life, with at least 21,822 people killed, predominantly women and children, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry.
The current wave of violence was triggered by an unprecedented Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,140 deaths, a majority of whom were civilians, based on an AFP count derived from official Israeli data.
As the New Year begins, the cycle of violence between Israel and Gaza persists, leaving residents on both sides grappling with uncertainty and the persistent threat of conflict. The international community closely watches developments, emphasizing the urgency of finding a sustainable resolution to the long-standing and deeply rooted issues in the region.
