Israel begins New Year 2024 under Hamas rocket barrage

Just after midnight, early Monday morning, the Hamas terror group launched a barrage of rockets towards the central region of Israel. 

Alarms sounded in the border towns near Sderot and Ashdod, as well as in central Israel near Tel Aviv. At least 27 rockets were reported in the latest round. Many rockets were intercepted by Iron Dome or fell in open areas. There were no reported injuries from the attack. 

🚨Sirens sounding in central Israel🚨 pic.twitter.com/KYd2ny0PBt

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 31, 2023

Hamas’ Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for the missile barrage on social media. The group claimed it used M90 missiles in “response to the massacres of civilians” by Israel. 

Israel Defense Forces responded with its own social media post. 

“New year, same Hamas terrorism.” 

New year, same Hamas terrorism.

While 129 Israelis are still being held captive by Hamas in Gaza, Hamas also decided to start 2024 by launching a barrage of rockets at Israel.

There is no “happy” New Year until they are all home. pic.twitter.com/Szl23qcLqZ

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 31, 2023

The Embassy of Israel to the U.S. also posted to social media about the rockets. 

“These are not midnight fireworks, but a Hamas rocket attack at Israelis trying to bring in the new year happily,” the embassy wrote.

These are not midnight fireworks, but a Hamas rocket attack at Israelis trying to bring in the new year happily. #newyearseve2024 #newyearseve #HamasIsISIS pic.twitter.com/e3YqQvX3ld

— Embassy of Israel to the USA | #IsraelUSA75 (@IsraelinUSA) January 1, 2024

IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Daniel Hagari said the war effort would require “prolonged fighting.” 

“Tonight, the year of 2024 begins. The objectives of the war require prolonged fighting, and we are preparing accordingly,” Hagari stated. “We are wisely planning the management of the forces operating in the field, looking at the reserve system, the economy, refreshing forces, and continuing the combat training processes in the IDF.” 

Hagari stated that IDF troops continue to operate in both the northern and southern Gaza Strip, adapting its warfare strategy to “operational needs.” 

On Monday morning, many IDF reservists were released to go home for a longer period, although they are technically still considered on military reserve duty.

Hagari said reservists will be recalled when needed, but that allowing them to return to home and work “will significantly ease the burden on the economy and allow them to gather strength for the upcoming activities in the next year, as the fighting will continue, and they will still be required.”