Hamas retaliates with rocket fire at Tel Aviv amid renewed Israel offensive
- Hamas claimed responsibility for launching three rockets towards Tel Aviv, marking a significant escalation in conflict.
- The IDF reported that one rocket was intercepted, while the other two fell harmlessly in open areas.
- This incident highlights the continued hostilities following Israel's renewed military campaign in Gaza.
On March 20, 2025, in Israel, tensions escalated as Hamas launched three rockets from the Gaza Strip targeting the metropolitan area of Tel Aviv. This incident marks a significant change in the conflict dynamics, as it is the first known rocket attack by Hamas following the end of a recent ceasefire. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the rockets were detected around 1:20 p.m., with one intercepted by the Iron Dome defense system, while the other two landed in open areas without causing any reported injuries. This attack from Hamas comes after Israel renewed its military operations in Gaza, including aerial bombardments and ground campaigns, resulting in significant Palestinian casualties. The Hamas-run health ministry reported that at least 85 Palestinians were killed in the recent airstrikes, with overall casualties exceeding 500 since the resumption of hostilities earlier in the week. The latest escalation follows the failure of ceasefire extension talks, with both sides unable to agree on terms for continuing the truce, which had originally sought to halt violence and facilitate humanitarian aid. The situation is further complicated by broader regional influences, as Yemen's Houthi rebels have also fired a ballistic missile at Israel, highlighting the increasing tensions not just between Israel and Hamas, but within the wider context of Middle Eastern political and military dynamics. The international community remains attentive to these developments, particularly the United States, which continues to supply weapons to Israel while affirming its commitments to international humanitarian law amidst the ongoing conflict. As hostilities continue to escalate, the humanitarian situation in Gaza grows increasingly dire. The Israeli government maintains that military action will persist until Hamas releases all hostages taken during previous conflicts, further complicating efforts for peace agreements. The cyclical nature of violence and retaliatory actions between Israel and Hamas illustrates a profound struggle, where ceasefires seem temporary, and the cycle of violence appears unending, raising critical questions about the feasibility of lasting peace in the region.