Israel launched retaliatory strikes in the Gaza Strip on Sunday after Hamas fired a barrage of rockets toward southern Israeli cities, including Ashkelon and Ashdod. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said ten projectiles were fired, five of which were intercepted by the Israeli Air Force.
"Approximately five projectiles were successfully intercepted by the IAF," the IDF stated. "Falls were identified in several areas." One person was reportedly treated for shrapnel injuries, and emergency crews responded to multiple impact sites, with videos showing debris scattered across residential streets.
The rocket barrage came amid continued IDF operations across the Middle East and marked a sharp escalation following weeks of stalled ceasefire talks. In response, Israeli forces struck the rocket launcher believed to have been used in the attack. Shortly after the rockets were fired, the IDF issued new evacuation orders for parts of Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza, warning residents to leave the area ahead of further airstrikes. "This is a final warning before the attack," the military said.
"This is just one neighborhood in Israel hit by Hamas rocket fire tonight," the IDF wrote on X alongside footage showing flashing emergency lights and damaged property. "Hamas continues to hide behind Gazan civilians while firing at Israeli civilians. We will continue to defend Israelis from the threat of terrorism."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed on the attack while en route to Washington and authorized a "vigorous" military response. "I instructed the IDF to extend the military operation and deal Hamas a heavy blow in response to the launches," Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz said. "For every shrapnel that harms a resident of Ashkelon, the Hamas murderers must pay a heavy price."
In Gaza, health authorities reported at least 39 fatalities from Israeli airstrikes on Sunday. Israeli Channel 12 said 12 people in Ashkelon were treated for light injuries linked to the rocket fire, citing officials at Barzilai Medical Center.
The surge in violence comes as the fragile ceasefire agreement reached in January continues to erode. Israel resumed ground operations in central and southern Gaza on March 19, blaming Hamas for the breakdown of negotiations.
According to Israeli officials, the war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led gunmen infiltrated southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched a sustained military campaign in Gaza. Palestinian officials report that more than 50,000 people have been killed in the Israeli offensive.
