Israel intercepts projectile fired from Gaza amid escalating conflict
Israel’s military reported that it intercepted a projectile launched from the Gaza Strip as violence intensified in the region under Israel’s expanding military campaign.
The Israeli military said the projectile was fired from northern Gaza and intercepted by the Israeli Air Force on Wednesday. Air raid sirens were triggered in the Lakhish area of southern Israel, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.
No group has taken responsibility for the launch, which follows an incident on Sunday when two rockets were fired from central Gaza. One of the rockets was intercepted, while the other landed in an open area.
Israel’s military spokesperson, Lt. Colonel Avichay Adraee, issued a warning to residents in northern Gaza, advising them to head south for safety in anticipation of an imminent attack in retaliation for the rocket fire. “The IDF will act with force in the area from which rockets were fired. Terror groups, especially Hamas, are responsible for the suffering of civilians. For your own safety, head to the south,” Adraee posted.
The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that the projectile fired from northern Gaza was intercepted by air defense systems after crossing into Israeli territory. There were no injuries reported, and the military is continuing to investigate the details of the incident.
The Ashkelon Municipality also confirmed that one rocket was intercepted and stated that there were no unusual incidents or damage in the city.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the rocket attack, calling it retaliation for what they described as “the Zionist massacre against our Palestinian people.” The group stated that it had “bombed Ashdod and Ashkelon with a barrage of rockets” in response.
This escalation follows the launch of Israel’s Operation Gideon’s Chariots, which Palestinian health authorities say has claimed hundreds of lives in its first five days. According to Gaza-based health authorities, 53,655 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began its military campaign more than 19 months ago.