Tensions are escalating as the Palestinian militant group Hamas fired rockets into Israel for the first time in about four months. Israel responded by bombing the base of Hamas in Rafah, Gaza Strip.
Israeli local media, The Times of Israel, reported on May 26 that Hamas fired eight rockets into central Israel, three of which were intercepted. As a result of the attack, two people were injured when debris fell on a house in the suburbs of Tel Aviv and Herzliya.
The Al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
TOI reported that sirens rang again in some areas near the Gaza Strip 80 minutes after the first attack, indicating that the capabilities of Hamas’s military remain intact despite months of Israeli offensive.
Sky News UK reported that 35 people were killed when Israel bombed Rafah in response to Hamas’s rocket attack.
While Palestinian media reported significant damage to tents housing displaced civilians, the Israeli military refuted this, stating, “A considerable number of Hamas terrorists are operating in Rafah.”
Hamas condemned the Israeli military’s bombing in a statement, pointing out that tens of thousands of homeless civilians had gathered there.
According to International News Agency, deaths and injuries are expected to rise.
On May 24, the International Criminal Court (ICC) ordered Israel to cease its offensive in Rafah, but Israel countered that the operation was for self-defense and aimed at eliminating Hamas.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) explained that the targets of the Rafah attack were legitimate and did not violate international law and that precision weapons were used based on information about Hamas’s presence.
They also added that they are reviewing the situation regarding the damage suffered by some civilians in the attack.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized the need to occupy Rafah to eliminate the last remaining Hamas forces.
The IDF suspects that Hamas has stockpiled rockets in this location and that Hamas organizations, including its leadership, remain present.
Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected an offer from Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, to cease the war on the condition of releasing Israeli hostages.
Meanwhile, Sky News reported that trucks carrying relief supplies entered the Gaza Strip through Israel’s Kerem Shalom.
This is the first transportation of relief supplies after a new agreement, and Egypt closed its border crossing here when Israel announced its offensive in Rafah.
Sky News noted that it is uncertain how much relief supplies can be delivered as the battle continues in Rafah.
