Multiple rockets were launched from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel on Saturday, causing sirens to blare as a warning in the country. The rocket fire originated from various locations in Gaza, starting in the early morning. The Israeli army issued warnings and urged the public to stay near bomb shelters. They also stated that terrorists had infiltrated Israeli territory from Gaza, though no further information was provided. As a result of the rocket fire, a 70-year-old woman was critically injured when a building was hit in central Israel. Another person was also trapped, and a 20-year-old man sustained moderate injuries from shrapnel.
In response to the violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene security chiefs. The responsible party for the rocket fire has not been identified yet. The blockaded condition of Gaza has been in effect since 2007, after the Hamas militant group took control. The region has experienced several devastating wars between Palestinian militants and Israel. In September, tensions escalated as Israel closed the border to Gazan workers for two weeks. Protesters along the heavily-militarized border resorted to burning tires, throwing rocks and petrol bombs at Israeli troops, resulting in tear gas and live bullets being deployed. Critics argued that the border closure was an act of collective punishment against Palestinian workers.
The situation calmed down temporarily when Gazan workers were allowed to resume passage at the end of September. However, the recent rocket fire has reignited tensions in the region. Since the beginning of the year, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 247 Palestinians, 32 Israelis, and two foreigners. The majority of casualties occurred in the West Bank, which has been occupied by Israel since the 1967 Arab-Israeli conflict. The West Bank has seen an increase in army raids, Palestinian attacks targeting Israelis, and Israeli settler violence against Palestinians and their property. It is worth noting that several far-right Israeli ministers reside in settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law.
