Hamas terrorists fired 10 rockets at southern Israel on Sunday night, targeting cities such as Ashkelon and Ashdod, according to the Israel Defense Forces. Half of the projectiles were intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system, the military said.
One of the rockets landed in a residential area of Ashkelon, causing injuries and widespread panic. Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon reported that 27 people had arrived for treatment following the attack, according to Israel’s Channel 12 News. Of these, 17 suffered from anxiety, seven were wounded by shrapnel, one person sustained an eye injury and two others were hurt while running to a bomb shelter. All of the injuries were classified as minor.
Several vehicles were damaged by shrapnel near a parking lot in the Ashkelon area. Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam visited the site and issued a sharp statement: “I expect the Israeli government and the Israel Defense Forces to strike Hamas with all their might and destroy any of its ability to once again disrupt our daily lives in the city.”
Hamas’s military wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as retaliation for Israeli military actions in Gaza.
In response to the rocket fire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—who was en route to the United States to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump—held emergency consultations with Defense Minister Israel Katz. Following their discussion, Netanyahu approved an escalation of military operations against Hamas.
Katz publicly announced that he had instructed the military to intensify its response, stating the goal was to deliver a significant blow to the terrorist group.
Following the rocket barrage, the IDF launched airstrikes against the launch site. Prior to the strikes, urgent evacuation notices were issued to residents in parts of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, according to the military.
