Hamas Rockets Target Tel Aviv Amid Escalating Violence in Gaza
Rockets Fired at Tel Aviv
On Tuesday, tensions between Hamas and Israel escalated as Hamas launched two rockets towards Tel Aviv, Israel’s commercial center. This marked the first such attack on Tel Aviv since May. The Israeli military reported that neither rocket caused any casualties; one fell into the sea, and the other did not reach Israeli territory. Hamas’ military wing stated that the rocket fire was in retaliation for what they described as “Zionist massacres” and the forced displacement of Palestinians due to recent Israeli airstrikes.
Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza
In response to ongoing hostilities, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in significant casualties in Gaza. On Tuesday, airstrikes targeted various locations across the Gaza Strip, leading to the deaths of at least 19 Palestinians. The strikes hit several key areas:
- Deir Al-Balah: An airstrike killed six people, including a mother and her four-day-old twins.
- Al-Bureij Camp: Seven Palestinians were killed in a strike on a residential house.
- Al-Maghazi Camp and Rafah: Four people were killed in two separate strikes.
- Sheikh Radwan Neighborhood: Two individuals were killed in a strike on a house in northern Gaza City.
The Israeli military reported that these strikes aimed to dismantle military infrastructure, including weapons and explosives storage, and targeted rocket launchers and sniper posts. According to the Israeli military, they were also engaged in combat with Palestinian gunmen and various militant groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Ceasefire Negotiations and International Diplomacy
Amid the intensifying conflict, efforts for a ceasefire continue. The United States has announced that ceasefire talks scheduled for Thursday will proceed as planned. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit Qatar, Egypt, and Israel to discuss the situation. The Israeli government has confirmed that it will send a delegation to finalize the details of a proposed ceasefire agreement.
However, Hamas has expressed frustration with the ongoing negotiation process. A Hamas official, who chose to remain unnamed due to the sensitivity of the discussions, criticized the current approach, stating that what is needed is not further negotiation but the actual implementation of a ceasefire plan proposed by US President Joe Biden in May. The official emphasized that Hamas is seeking a workable plan rather than additional talks.
Background of the Conflict
The latest round of violence began on October 7 when Hamas-led fighters launched a major assault on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of around 250 hostages taken back to Gaza. The ensuing Israeli offensive has led to a staggering death toll of nearly 40,000 Palestinians, with widespread devastation across Gaza and a significant portion of the population displaced.
The conflict, characterized by its intensity and high casualty rates on both sides, has drawn international attention and calls for a resolution. As diplomatic efforts continue, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with both sides bracing for further developments in the ongoing conflict.
