Hamas Fires Missiles at Tel Aviv Amid Ongoing Israeli Offensive in Gaza

**Missile Attacks on Tel Aviv Amidst Israel’s Gaza Offensive**
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Hamas launched missiles towards Tel Aviv on Sunday, marking the first such attack on the Israeli city in four months. This move comes as a demonstration of Hamas’s military capabilities amidst Israel’s continued offensive operations in the Gaza Strip, particularly in Rafah. The Israeli military confirmed that eight projectiles were launched, with some being intercepted, and reported no casualties.
Hamas, through its al-Qassam Brigades, stated that the rocket fire was a retaliation for what it termed “Zionist massacres against civilians.” The focus of Israel’s military actions has been Rafah, aiming to dismantle Hamas fighters and recover hostages, despite the severe humanitarian impact on civilians and international condemnation.
Amidst ongoing Israeli operations, at least five Palestinians were reported killed in Rafah by Israeli strikes. The Israeli military is also conducting operations in northern Gaza, including Jabaliya, uncovering weapons storage in a school, denying claims of an Israeli soldier’s abduction by Hamas.
Efforts for a ceasefire have seen little progress, though there are indications of potential talks resuming with involvement from the US, Egypt, and Qatar. However, Hamas has downplayed these reports, with a senior official denying receiving new proposals for negotiations.
Israel’s Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, has maintained a firm stance on continuing the war until Hamas is eliminated, despite the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In a move to alleviate the situation, Israel agreed to allow aid trucks through the Kerem Shalom crossing, bypassing the blocked Rafah crossing, following an agreement between US President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
The conflict has also sparked protests in Tel Aviv, with demonstrators demanding the government secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for an end to the war and Netanyahu’s resignation.
As the conflict persists, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can bring an end to the violence and suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.