Rockets Rain Down On Israel From Gaza As Hamas’s October 7 Attack Anniversary Nears

Tel Aviv: Tensions between Israel and Hamas have further escalated, with a barrage of rockets allegedly fired from northern Gaza landed in southern Israel on Sunday. The attack comes just one day before the first anniversary of Hamas's unprecedented assault on the region on October 7 last year. According to the Israeli military, several rockets were launched from the northern Gaza Strip, with one intercepted and the others landing in open areas in the southern part of Israel. The fresh rocket attack incident has put Israeli defence forces on high alert, with the anniversary of the devastating attack by Hamas looming large.

The situation has been further complicated by rocket barrages unleashed from Lebanon, which have continued to target northern Israel. Sirens have been sounding off intermittently, triggering interception systems and heightening anxiety among residents. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that approximately 30 rockets were intercepted overnight, with sirens echoing along the western coastline, stretching from Haifa in the north to Hadera in the south.

Israeli Military Successfully Intercepted Incoming Rockets With Iron Dome Defence System

The IDF has been quick to respond, with troops deployed along the Gaza border and in northern Israel. The military has also activated its Iron Dome defence system, successfully intercepting numerous incoming rockets. 

The upsurge in violence has raised concerns about a potential escalation in the conflict. The October 7 attack last year caught Israeli forces off guard, resulting in significant damage and loss of life. Since then, tensions have remained high, with both sides engaging in year-long deadly clashes.

The IDF has urged citizens to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols, with many communities in the south and north instructed to seek shelter. The military has also imposed restrictions on gatherings and public events, citing security concerns.

Israel Suspects, Hamas May Launch Further Attacks

As the anniversary of the October 7 attack approaches, there are fears that Hamas may launch further assaults. Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza, has vowed to continue its resistance against Israel, which it views as an occupying power.

The international community has called for restraint and calm, with diplomatic efforts underway to de-escalate the situation. The United Nations (UN) has urged both sides to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution.

In the meantime, residents in southern and northern Israel remain on edge, bracing for potential further attacks. The IDF has assured citizens that it is doing everything in its power to protect them, but the atmosphere remains tense as the military group has been facing a three-front war on it. 

High Alert Is In Place In Israel

A high alert is in place in Israel a day before the first anniversary of Hamas' October 7 terror attack - which claimed the lives of over 1,200 Israelis and led to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Ahead of October 7, Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said at a televised briefing: “We are prepared with increased forces in anticipation for this day when there could be attacks on the home front”.

As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the anniversary of the October 7 attack has brought renewed focus to the long-simmering conflict between Israel and Hamas. With both sides dug in and determined to assert their positions, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Hamas Attack Resulted In Massive Casualties

In the attacks carried out allegedly by Hamas, at least 1,100 people were killed and many more were injured. The attack also caused widespread damage across southern Israel, with buildings, homes, and infrastructure destroyed. Several key highways and roads were closed due to rocket fire.

Israeli Responded With Airstrikes

The Israeli defence forces quickly responded with airstrikes and artillery fire targeting Hamas positions in Gaza. The Iron Dome defence system was activated for interception of incoming rockets. The Israeli troops were deployed along the Gaza border, with tanks and armoured vehicles mobilized.

The attack marked a significant escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, with tensions remaining high in the following days. 

IDF Conducts Precision Strikes On Hezbollah Weapons Depots

Meanwhile, the Middle East continues to remain on the boil as the conflict between Iran and Israel has further widened with both sides stepping up their attacks, raising the likelihood of an all-out war in the region. In the latest on Sunday, sirens blared in Israel's northern town of Arab al-Aramshe, issuing a warning of a hostile drone infiltration. Further, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) conducted a series of precision strikes on Hezbollah weapons depots and terror infrastructure in Beirut overnight.

Additionally, Israel continued to ramp up bombings in Lebanon on Saturday, striking Beirut's southern suburb with a dozen airstrikes and striking a Palestinian refugee camp in the north for the first time. The escalation in attacks came as the Israeli media reported that the military was gearing up for a “significant” attack on Tehran after it launched about 200 missiles on Israeli targets earlier this week. 

War Of Words Between Macron, Netanyahu

On Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron called for a halt on arms supplies to Israel for use in Gaza and criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's decision to send troops into ground operations in Lebanon.

In response, Netanyahu called Macron's remarks a “shame”. “As Israel fights the forces of barbarism led by Iran, all civilised countries should be standing firmly by Israel's side. Yet President Macron and some other Western leaders are now calling for an arms embargo against Israel. Shame on them. Is Iran imposing an arms embargo on Hezbollah, on the Houthis, on Hamas and on its other proxies? Of course not. The axis of terror stands together, but countries that supposedly oppose this terror axis call for an arms embargo on Israel. What a disgrace,” Netanyahu said.