The Palestinian militant group Hamas announced that it launched a barrage of rockets at southern Israeli cities on Sunday, claiming it was in retaliation for Israeli “massacres” of civilians in Gaza.
The Israeli military reported that approximately 10 projectiles were fired, with most intercepted successfully. However, Israel’s Channel 12 stated that one rocket made a direct impact in the southern city of Ashkelon.
Israeli emergency services confirmed they were treating one individual for shrapnel injuries while response teams were dispatched to sites where rockets had landed. Videos shared by Israeli emergency responders depicted shattered car windows and debris scattered across a city street.
Meanwhile, Gaza health authorities reported that Israeli military strikes resulted in at least 39 deaths across the Gaza Strip on Sunday.
Following the rocket attack, the Israeli military issued a new evacuation order via X, instructing residents of several districts in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, to vacate their homes due to the earlier rocket launches.
“This is a final warning before the attack,” the military statement read.
Shortly after, the Israeli military stated that it had struck the rocket launcher used in the earlier assault from Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was en route to Washington for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, was briefed on the situation by Defense Minister Israel Katz.
A statement from Netanyahu’s office confirmed that he had ordered a “vigorous” response and approved the continuation of intense Israeli military operations against Hamas.
Israel’s Channel 12 reported that at least 12 people suffered minor injuries due to the rocket attack, citing officials at Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon.
The initial phase of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on January 19, following 15 months of conflict. It included a cessation of hostilities, the release of some Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners.
However, on March 19, Israel declared that its forces had resumed ground operations in central and southern Gaza. Both sides have accused each other of causing the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations.
According to Palestinian officials, more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive in Gaza.
The conflict began after Hamas-led militants launched an attack on southern Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures.
