Israel fires at Hamas target after attack
Israel has fired on a target in the Gaza Strip, in response to a rocket attack, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) says.
An explosion is caused by Israeli airstrikes on a Hamas military base in town of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Tuesday April 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Yousef Masoud)
The foreign minister of Israel, Yair Lapid, is cutting his holiday in Spain short due to the rising tensions and will be back in Israel by the evening, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday
“In response to the launch from Gaza into Israel, we just targeted a Hamas weapons manufacturing site in Gaza,” the IDF said in a tweet.
“The terrorist organisation Hamas is responsible for all terror activity emanating from the Gaza Strip.”
Israel views Hamas as responsible for any firing from the Gaza Strip.
The Palestinian militant organisation, which governs the Gaza Strip, is classified as terrorist by Israel, the United States, the European Union and Australia.
On Monday, Israel’s Iron Dome defence system intercepted a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, the first such attack in 2022.
In recent days, Palestinians have clashed with Israeli security forces on the Temple Mount/Noble Sanctuary site in Jerusalem.
There were numerous injuries.
The clashes further intensified tensions after violence in recent weeks.
The Temple Mount/Noble Sanctuary is under Muslim administration while Israel is responsible for security.
According to an agreement with the Muslim authorities, Jews are allowed to visit the site but not to pray there.
Palestinians accuse Israel of trying to expand the rights of observant Jews at the holy site.
A Hamas spokesman said Israel’s airstrike in Gaza had “failed”.
The facility was empty and no one was injured, he said.
He spoke of a “failed attempt to stop the Palestinian people from resisting the occupation and defending Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque”.
AAP
mainstream news media will be condemning Israel for defending their country. Just pray for Israel.