On Sunday, Hamas terrorists launched a rocket barrage into Israel, with a number being launched from Rafah, the group’s last major stronghold and the subject of much international debate.
According to the BBC, At least eight rockets were launched from Rafah. Several of them were intercepted and no injuries were reported. This is the first time in nearly four months that Hamas has directly attacked Israel’s land.
Hamas quickly took credit for the attack, calling it retaliation for “Zionist massacres against civilians.” Most of the rockets were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome.
The strike comes as Israeli forces are preparing for an increase in operations in and around Rafah, Hamas’ last stronghold in the region. However, the nation is facing international pressure to cease all operations in Rafah, as nearly 1.5 million Gazans who have been displaced by the fighting are currently taking refuge there.
Israel has repeatedly told civilians to leave areas where military operations were being conducted, in an attempt to minimize casualties.
Rafah has acted as a major route for humanitarian aid, as it shares a border with Egypt. However, after Israel took control of the border earlier this week, Egypt has refused to allow further assistance until the Gazan side of the border is given back to Palestine.
Egypt has agreed to temporarily divert traffic through Israel’s Kerem Shalom crossing following a call between their president, Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, and President Biden.
This news comes as the “floating pier” off the coast of Gaza, which was built by the U.S. was damaged this weekend. Four vessels that were used to stabilize the pier were disconnected due to severe weather.
“Efforts to recover the vessels are under way with assistance from the Israeli Navy,” U.S. Central Command said, per Fox News.
The U.S. spent approximately $320 million to build the pier, which is approximately 1,500 feet long. It has been a major aid route for the U.S. and other nations.
“In the coming days, you can expect to see this effort underway. And we are confident that we will be able to, working with our NGO partners, ensure that aid can be delivered,” Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in early May, per Fox.
569 metric tons of aid has been transferred to Gaza using the pier alone, as Israel continues to move deeper into the region. As of last week, however, none of that aid has been delivered to Palestinians, according to the Pentagon.
The damage to the pier necessitated the use of hundreds of aid vehicles, which went by land through the crossing this weekend. However, the aid has been difficult to access for United Nations workers due to the fighting in the region.
The post Hamas Launches Rockets Into Israel From Rafah As Calls To Cease Operations In City Intensify appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: John Symank
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