Two Rockets Fired from Gaza Target Israeli Town

TDT | Manama

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The Israeli army reported that two rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip on Sunday. The Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility, saying the attack targeted the town of Netivot in response to Israeli actions. No casualties or damage were reported.

According to the army, one rocket was intercepted while the other landed in an open area. Air raid sirens were activated in Netivot, which is located about 10 kilometres (six miles) from Gaza and is home to around 50,000 residents.

This marks the first time in several months that rocket fire from Gaza has threatened the town. Islamic Jihad’s armed wing said the attack was in retaliation for "crimes committed by the Zionist enemy against our people."

The rocket fire comes amid Israel’s intensified military operations around Gaza City, the largest city in the territory. The Israeli army has stated it aims to defeat Hamas and secure the release of hostages taken during the group’s October 7, 2023 attack.

On Saturday, Israeli forces struck a high-rise building in Gaza City, flattening it. This was the second such strike in two days. Thousands of leaflets were also dropped on western neighbourhoods, urging residents to evacuate, witnesses and AFP journalists reported.