Hamas’ rockets strike Tel Aviv for first time in months

Hamas launched a significant barrage of rockets from Gaza on Sunday, triggering air raid sirens in Tel Aviv for the first time in months, demonstrating resilience amid Israel’s extensive air, sea, and ground offensive, which has persisted for over seven months.

No immediate casualties or damage were reported in what appears to be the first long-range rocket attack from Gaza since January, claimed by Hamas’ military wing.

The Israeli military reported that eight projectiles crossed into Israel from the area near the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where recent Israeli incursions occurred. It stated that interception measures were deployed against “a number” of these projectiles.

Aid to Gaza amid cross-border tensions

Earlier on Sunday, aid trucks entered Gaza from southern Israel under a new arrangement to bypass the Rafah crossing with Egypt, controlled by Israeli forces since earlier this month. However, the accessibility of humanitarian aid amid ongoing hostilities remains uncertain.

Egypt has declined to reopen its side of the Rafah crossing until control is relinquished to Palestinians. Following a conversation between U.S. President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, temporary rerouting of traffic through Israel’s Kerem Shalom crossing, Gaza’s primary cargo terminal, was agreed upon.

However, the Kerem Shalom crossing has been largely inaccessible due to Israeli operations in Rafah. While Israel claims to have permitted hundreds of trucks to enter, United Nations agencies cite security concerns hindering aid retrieval.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to significant Palestinian casualties, with nearly 36,000 reported deaths according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The territory’s dire humanitarian situation includes widespread displacement, severe hunger, and reports of famine in certain areas.

On the other hand, Netanyahu’s government faces mounting pressure to negotiate with Hamas for the release of hostages, a demand Hamas links to a cease-fire and Israeli troop withdrawal, conditions Netanyahu rejects.

The conflict has drawn international condemnation, with calls for a cessation of hostilities and investigations into potential war crimes. Israel, however, maintains its right to self-defense and disputes allegations of wrongdoing.

Hamas claims capture of Israeli soldier

In a separate development, Hamas claimed to have captured an Israeli soldier during fighting in northern Gaza, releasing video footage to support the claim. Israel’s military denied the allegation. Additionally, Israel detained a suspect in connection with a video depicting a soldier threatening mutiny, sparking controversy within Israel.