Hamas launched a barrage of rockets at cities in southern Israel on Sunday, citing Israeli “massacres” of civilians in Gaza as the reason for their attack. Israel’s military reported that around 10 projectiles were fired, with most being intercepted. However, one rocket reportedly hit the southern city of Ashkelon, causing damage and injuries. Israeli emergency services treated one person for shrapnel wounds and responded to locations where rockets had fallen.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least 39 people on Sunday, according to local health authorities. Following the rocket attack, Israel issued an evacuation order for several districts in Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza, warning of further strikes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, en route to Washington, was briefed on the situation by Defense Minister Israel Katz. Netanyahu instructed a “vigorous” military response, with Israeli forces continuing operations against Hamas.
The violence follows a tense ceasefire that began in January 2024 after 15 months of war. However, Israel resumed ground operations in Gaza in March 2025, and the conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with Palestinian officials reporting over 50,000 deaths in Gaza. The conflict began after a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
