Rocket Fire Escalates Israel-Gaza Tensions Ahead of Hamas Attack Anniversary
As tensions rise between Gaza and Israel, global protests intensify, demanding an end to the violence. Just a day before the anniversary of Hamas’s October 7 attack, rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that rockets were launched from northern Gaza into southern Israel on Sunday. “Several projectiles were identified crossing from the northern Gaza Strip into Israeli territory. One projectile was intercepted, and the rest fell in open areas,” said the Israeli military in a statement.
As Israel prepares for the anniversary of the unprecedented assault last year by Hamas militants, its military remains on high alert. On October 7, 2023, the attack resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and saw approximately 250 hostages taken. In retaliation, Israel launched a fierce military campaign on Gaza, which the Gaza health ministry claims has resulted in nearly 42,000 Palestinian deaths.
Thousands of people worldwide took to the streets on Sunday, demanding an end to the violence in Gaza. According to Reuters, nearly 40,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through central London. Similar protests were held in cities such as Paris, Rome, Manila, Cape Town, and New York.
In Washington, protesters gathered near the White House to express opposition to US support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Meanwhile, in New York’s Times Square, demonstrators held banners calling for an arms embargo against Israel, chanting, “Gaza, Lebanon, you will rise; the people are by your side.”
The ongoing conflict has displaced almost the entire 2.3 million population of Gaza and has triggered a severe hunger crisis.
