Hamas launches two rockets from Gaza at Tel Aviv
Two rockets were fired from Gaza toward Tel Aviv on Thursday, according to the Israel Defense Forces, activating rocket sirens throughout central Israel.
Iron Dome missiles intercept rockets from Gaza, seen in the sky in southern Israel, on Nov. 12, 2018. Credit: Hadas Parush/Flash90.
The sirens were last activated in Tel Aviv two years ago, but ended up being a false alarm.
“Two rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israeli territory. The alert and warning systems operated as required,” the IDF said. “No interceptions were made by aerial defence systems. No damage or injuries were reported. There are no special instructions for the civilian home front.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to conduct an emergency security meeting in Tel Aviv, where the army is headquartered.
This is the first time since Operation Protective Edge in 2014 that central Israel had been targeted by Gaza terrorists. It remains unclear what terrorist group in the Gaza Strip was behind the rocket attack. Hamas, which controls the Gaza, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad have been behind the majority of rocket attacks on southern Israel in recent years. Although both terror groups told Israeli media outlets that they were not behind the attack. At the same time, smaller Salafi terror groups also operate in the Strip as well and have targeted Israel in the past.
World Jewish Congress CEO and Executive Vice President Robert Singer voiced extreme concern.
“The World Jewish Congress and our affiliated communities in more than 100 countries stand with all Israelis tonight who are contending with another round of frightening missile fire emanating from Gaza,” Singer said.
“We hold Hamas responsible for all attacks launched from the territory under its control, and urge the international community to publicly recognize that this offensive came unprovoked and that Israel has the full right to do whatever is required to safeguard the security of its residents and citizens,” Singer said.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and express our full solidarity with the people of Israel facing this savage attack against civilians on sovereign territory,” Singer said.
IDF Spokesperson said: Following the rocket alerts in Sderot and the Negev region, it was determined that 4 rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel. 3 were intercepted by the Iron Dome defense system.
JNS/J-Wire
