Hamas has launched its first rocket attack in the Tel Aviv area of central Israel in almost four months. At least eight rockets were launched from the Rafah area in southern Gaza, with several intercepted. No one was hurt. Rocket sirens sounded in other cities and towns. Israeli media published images of rocket fragments and damage caused by shrapnel. Hamas's military wing claimed credit for the attack. The rocket attacks came as the Israeli army intensified its assault on Rafah, despite an International Court of Justice ruling to halt the offensive in Gaza.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalation of violence and called for a de-escalation of tensions. The Israeli military reported that eight projectiles, fired from Rafah in southern Gaza, crossed into Israel, with some intercepted. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. The attack marks the first long-range rocket attack from Gaza since January. The situation remains fluid, and its impact on the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict is yet to be determined.
The Israeli army said 'dozens of terrorists' were killed during its operation in Gaza. Aid trucks entered Gaza through a new agreement to bypass the Rafah crossing with Egypt. The war between Israel and Hamas has killed nearly 36,000 Palestinians and displaced 80% of the population. U.S. diplomatic efforts to broker a deal to release hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are expected to continue in the coming week. Scuffles broke out between police and protesters in Tel Aviv demanding the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza. International pressure is growing on Israel, but it is unlikely to comply with International Court of Justice orders. Hamas claimed to have captured an Israeli soldier, but the Israeli military denied it. The Israeli military detained a suspect over a video of a man dressed as an Israeli soldier threatening mutiny.
Rocket fire from Gaza reached central Israel on Sunday for the first time in several months. The Israeli military said eight rockets were fired from the southern Gazan city of Rafah, where they have been conducting operations since May 6. One person was injured by shrapnel after it fell in several locations. Coffee shops shuttered and people reacted with shock and surprise when the sirens sounded. The IDF intercepted a number of the rockets. The Israeli offensive on Rafah has been intensifying since May 6.
Intense clashes have erupted between the Palestinian resistance and Israeli forces in Deir al-Balah, Rafah, and Yabna refugee camp. The resistance targeted Israeli vehicles, infrastructure, and military headquarters with mortar shells and rockets. The Israeli forces admitted to the deaths of two soldiers in southern Gaza. The resistance released footage and information confirming their casualties and injuries are greater than officially announced.
An explosion in southern Gaza killed eight Israeli soldiers, making it the deadliest attack on Israeli forces in months. The attack occurred in Rafah, a southern city identified as Hamas' last major stronghold. Israel launched an air and ground invasion of Gaza in response to a cross-border attack by Hamas and other militants. The Israeli offensive has killed over 37,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials. The explosion comes as Israel's government confronts anger over exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox men. Protests for a cease-fire and the release of hostages were planned. Israel's Supreme Court ordered an end to government subsidies for ultra-Orthodox men who don't serve in the army. Cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have failed to find common ground. Violence has also flared in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war erupted.
The Israeli army claims to have "operational control" over 70% of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. The army has been conducting ground maneuvers in Rafah for the past 40 days and has achieved full operational control over 60-70% of the city. The current military offensives are focused on the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood and the eastern part of the Shabora neighborhood. The army has discovered over 200 tunnel openings and 25 complete tunnels in the area. The military anticipates completing its operation in Rafah within a few weeks and is awaiting political directives on whether to remain or withdraw. Hamas has not yet commented on the Israeli army's claims.