Israel strikes Hamas targets in Gaza and Lebanon following rocket attacks against Jewish state
The Israel Defense Forces hit Hamas terror targets in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip on Friday morning in response to dozens of rockets fired into the Jewish state from both Lebanon and Gaza on Thursday. At least two Israeli citizens were hit by shrapnel from the incoming rockets.
Hamas terrorists fired some 34 rockets from Lebanon into northern Israel, marking the most serious escalation along the Israeli-Lebanese border since the Second Lebanon War in 2006.
Israel’s Iron Dome defense system reportedly intercepted 25 of the incoming rockets from Lebanon and Israel’s airspace in the northern region is currently closed until further notice.
UNIFIL, the United Nations unit responsible for monitoring peace along the Lebanese-Israeli border, said it was trying to restore calm in the volatile area.
"The measures taken during the past day are dangerous and warn of a dangerous escalation," said UNIFIL in an official statement.
The rocket attacks against Israel follow clashes between the Israel Police and Muslim rioters on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
The Jewish state’s main ally condemned the rocket attacks against Israel.
“We condemn the launch of rockets from Lebanon and Gaza,” said U.S. State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel.
“Our commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad. We recognize Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself against all forms of aggression,” Patel told reporters during a press briefing.
Germany, one of Israel’s main European allies said it “strongly” condemned the rocket attacks against Israel, stressing, “they must cease immediately.”
“Especially now during the holidays, a further escalation must be prevented,” stated Germany, referring to the Jewish Passover, Christian Easter and Muslim Ramadan holidays.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
