As hostilities between Israel and Palestine continue to escalate, rocket sirens are going off across southern and central Israel while dozens of explosions have also been reported.
Every red dot marks sirens in Israel over the last 30 minutes: Israel is under attack. pic.twitter.com/1CSOFn8NBi
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 11, 2021
The health ministry run by the Hamas group reported that so far, 32 Palestinians have been killed and 220 people injured in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza since the outbreak of hostilities, The Times of Israel reported. Meanwhile, sirens went off in communities near Gaza, in Beersheba where dozens of explosions were reported. Loud booms were reported near Tel Aviv as Hamas launched a massive barrage of rockets at the city.
Amid the escalating conflict, the Hamas’ military wing said it has launched 110 rockets at the city and at the nearby Ben Gurion airport. Several rockets were also fired at Ashkelon, Modiin and Tel Aviv. Two people were seriously injured when a rocket hit their home in the city of Lod. The house has been completely destroyed while the wounded have been shifted to a hospital.
On the other hand, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF)said it has attacked “a number of significant terror sites and terrorists across the Gaza Strip”, reported The Times of Israel. “It is 3 am and more rockets are being fired at Tel Aviv. Families are being woken up and rushed to bomb shelters,” it tweeted.
🚨 It’s 3AM and more rockets are being fired at Tel Aviv. Families are being woken up & rushed to bomb shelters. 🚨
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 11, 2021
WATCH as the Iron Dome Aerial Defense System intercepts rockets over southern Israel: pic.twitter.com/xUz3bMuTzz
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 12, 2021
In response to HUNDREDS of rockets in the last 24 hours, the IDF has struck a number of significant terror targets and terror operatives across the Gaza Strip, marking our largest strike since 2014.
We are currently striking more terror targets in Gaza.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 12, 2021
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who declared a state of emergency in Lod as intense rioting has erupted in the Arab-Jewish city, is set to visit the area after midnight (local time).
2:00 בלילה – עדכון מעכשיו בעיר לוד: הנחתי להזרים כוחות לעיר, נעשה הכל כדי להחזיר את הסדר. pic.twitter.com/fDkCFiwb4G
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) May 12, 2021
“I have been receiving updates all day on what is happening here in the city and I view it extremely gravely. It is anarchy from rioters that we cannot accept,” he said, while promising to restore law and order. The Assaf Harofeh hospital said it is treating 12 people wounded in the clashes in Lod, including two in serious condition, The Times of Israel reported.
The last 24 hours in Israel: pic.twitter.com/XzajmMGxhW
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 11, 2021
This comes as the tensions between Israel and Palestine are rapidly escalating, with ramping up of rocket attacks and airstrikes from both sides. Three people have been killed in rocket strikes from Gaza towards Tel Aviv.
The United States has expressed serious concern over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, calling for de-escalation of tensions between both countries by establishing a two-state solution.
.@SecBlinken spoke with @Gabi_Ashkenazi about the ongoing situation in Israel. We are deeply concerned about the situation in Jerusalem, HAS/TM, Sheikh Jarra & rockets from Gaza. We mourn the loss of life and call for all parties to deescalate tensions. https://t.co/EXLdpVbv9t
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) May 11, 2021
Also, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday (local time) spoke to Israel’s Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi and expressed his concerns over the escalating violence between Israel and Palestine, including the rocket attacks by the latter.
Spoke with @Gabi_Ashkenazi today about the ongoing situation in Israel including rocket fire emanating from the Gaza Strip. Israelis and Palestinians need to be able to live in safety and security, as well as enjoy equal measures of freedom, security, prosperity, and democracy.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 11, 2021
According to US Department of State spokesperson Ned Price, both leaders discussed the violence in Jerusalem, in particular on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount and in Sheikh Jarrah. Blinken reiterated his call on all parties to de-escalate tensions and bring a halt to the violence, which has claimed the lives of Israeli and Palestinian civilians, including children. The Secretary also emphasised the need for Israelis and Palestinians to be able to live in safety and security, as well as enjoy equal measures of freedom, security, prosperity, and democracy.
We unequivocally condemn rocket attacks from Gaza towards south and central Israel, including Jerusalem. This is unacceptable.
— Ambassador Jack Lew (@USAmbIsrael) May 10, 2021
.@StateDeptSpox condemns in the strongest terms the barrage of rocket attacks fired in Israel in recent hours: The U.S. will remain fully engaged to promote calm in Jerusalem. pic.twitter.com/x0EaBU1pMX
— Department of State (@StateDept) May 10, 2021
Meanwhile, The Japanese government has expressed concern over the latest developments in East Jerusalem, including the Israel-Palestine clashes and the airstrikes on Tuesday. “The Government of Japan expresses its serious concern about the latest developments surrounding Israel and Palestine, including clashes and violence in East Jerusalem causing a number of injuries as well as the firing of rockets from Gaza,” Sputnik quoted the ministry’s statement. Several nations have urged both sides to exercise restraint amid intensifying tensions.
Over 630 rockets were fired at Israel from Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon, 200 of which were intercepted by Iron Dome missile defence batteries while 150 others fell short of their targets and landed inside the Strip, according to the army.
RAW FOOTAGE: This is the moment the Iron Dome intercepted a barrage of rockets over Tel Aviv and central Israel. pic.twitter.com/8jl8OTgWCl
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 11, 2021
🚨 SIRENS IN TEL AVIV: 🚨
Imagine hearing this sound and having seconds to run for your life.
This is what people in Tel Aviv are hearing RIGHT NOW. pic.twitter.com/9BpYbwlwVO
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 11, 2021
The country has been embroiled in conflict over the impending eviction of dozens of Palestinians from East Jerusalem’s neighbourhood.
Over 70 Palestinians in total are set to be evicted from Sheikh Jarrah in the coming weeks to be replaced by right-wing Jewish Israelis. The Palestinians live in houses built on land that courts have ruled were owned by Jewish religious associations before the establishment of Israel in 1948.
(With ANI Inputs)