Hamas Fires Rocket at Tel Aviv, Raising Fears of Escalating Violence

Hamas fires rocket at Tel Aviv, sparking fears of escalating violence. Stay updated on the latest developments in the conflict

Hamas Fires Rocket at Tel Aviv Amid Escalating Conflict with Israel

 

The armed wing of Hamas has launched a missile towards Tel Aviv, escalating the ongoing conflict between the group and Israel. On Sunday evening, Hamas claimed responsibility for firing an "M90" rocket in retaliation for what it described as "Israeli massacres against civilians."

 

However, the Israeli military reported that the rocket landed in an open area near Rishon LeTsiyon, a city located roughly 15 miles south of Tel Aviv. According to a military statement, the projectile was launched from the southern Gaza Strip and did not cause any damage or casualties.

 

The attack comes amid rising tensions across the region, with Hezbollah, another Iran-backed militant group, also entering the fray. Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, indicated that the group's own assault had been delayed in order to give ceasefire negotiations a chance. Hezbollah’s initial target was reportedly an Israeli military intelligence base near Tel Aviv. Nasrallah warned that the group could strike again if the results of their initial attack were deemed insufficient.

 

In response to these developments, Israel conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon early Sunday, aiming to preempt further attacks by Hezbollah. These strikes followed the killing of one of Hezbollah's top commanders in an airstrike on Beirut last month, which the group claims was carried out by Israel.

 

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has urged restraint from both sides. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Lammy stated that he had spoken to Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, reaffirming the UK's support for Israel's security while stressing the need for immediate de-escalation, including a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.

 

Lammy emphasized that "further escalation in the Middle East must be avoided at all costs," as the conflict threatens to spiral into a larger regional crisis.