New rocket attacks from Gaza to Israel raises tensions in the region

GAZA CITY – Dozens of rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israel on Saturday, escalating tensions in an already volatile region.

Sirens warning of incoming rocket fire blared in Israel, with reports indicating that the rocket attacks originated from multiple locations in Gaza, beginning at 06:30 am (0330 GMT).

The Israeli army issued warnings of sirens across southern and central parts of the country, urging the public to stay near bomb shelters.

They also reported that “a number of terrorists have infiltrated into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip,” although further details were not immediately provided.

As a result of the rocket attacks, a 70-year-old woman was left in critical condition, and another individual was trapped when a rocket struck a building in central Israel, according to the Magen David Adom emergency services.

In a separate incident, a 20-year-old man sustained moderate injuries from shrapnel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s office announced that he would soon convene security chiefs to address the escalating violence. At present, no group has claimed responsibility for the rocket attacks.

The Gaza Strip has been under a crippling blockade by Israel since 2007, following the rise to power of the Hamas militant group.

This blockade has led to several devastating conflicts between Palestinian militants and Israel over the years.

These latest rocket attacks come after a period of heightened tensions in September when Israel closed the border to Gazan workers for two weeks, sparking Palestinian protests along the heavily-militarized border.

The border closure was met with criticism for collectively punishing thousands of Palestinian workers who rely on employment opportunities in Israel due to high unemployment rates in Gaza.

Resuming the passage of Gazan workers on September 28 raised hopes of calming the situation in Gaza, which is home to 2.3 million people.

However, this latest rocket attack has once again escalated tensions in the region.

In May of this year, an exchange of Israeli airstrikes and Gaza rocket fire resulted in the deaths of 34 Palestinians and one Israeli.

So far in 2023, at least 247 Palestinians, 32 Israelis, and two foreigners have lost their lives in the conflict, which includes combatants and civilians on both sides, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials.

The majority of these fatalities have occurred in the West Bank, which has been occupied by Israel since the 1967 Arab-Israeli conflict.

Recent months have seen a rise in army raids, Palestinian attacks against Israelis, and Israeli settler violence against Palestinians and their property, further fueling tensions in the region.

It’s worth noting that several far-right Israeli ministers reside in settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law.