BREAKING: Israel Strikes Back – 56 Killed in Gaza After Hamas Rocket Attack | Shocking Update

Israel launched a series of air strikes on Gaza after Hamas fired 10 rockets into southern Israel, with several hitting the city of Ashkelon and injuring one person. In retaliation, Israeli forces struck multiple locations in Gaza, including Deir al-Balah, where the rockets were believed to have originated. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, at least 56 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours. A journalist was also killed when an air strike hit a media tent near Nasser hospital, which has been repeatedly targeted during the conflict.

Israel said it struck a Hamas operative disguised as a journalist who was allegedly involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks. Hamas claimed its rocket attack was a response to what it called Israeli massacres of civilians. Meanwhile, international efforts to restore a ceasefire continue, with French President Emmanuel Macron meeting leaders in Cairo. The war, now ongoing for months, began with Hamas’s deadly October attack that killed around 1,200 people and led to a massive Israeli military campaign in Gaza.

BREAKING: Israel Strikes Back – 56 Killed in Gaza After Hamas Rocket Attack | Shocking Update

Tensions have flared between Israel and Hamas after the Palestinian group fired rockets into southern Israel, prompting Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. This exchange marks the most severe escalation in months, raising concerns about a prolonged conflict.

Rocket Fire and Immediate Response

On Sunday, Hamas launched 10 rockets toward southern Israel. Israeli authorities reported that approximately half landed within Israeli borders, while the rest were intercepted by defense systems. Falling debris from the intercepted rockets injured one person in Ashkelon, a coastal city near Gaza. In retaliation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a “strong response,” ordering targeted airstrikes on suspected Hamas sites. The Israeli military stated it struck a rocket launch location in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, and warned of further attacks on areas used for launching projectiles.

Casualties and Claims of Targeting Operatives

Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported at least 56 Palestinian deaths within 24 hours of the strikes. Among the casualties was journalist Helmi al-Faqaawi, killed when a strike hit a media tent in Khan Younis. The attack occurred within the compound of Nasser Hospital, Gaza’s largest operational medical facility, which has faced repeated strikes during the conflict. Nine other journalists were injured. Israel’s military and the Shin Bet intelligence agency claimed they had targeted a Hamas member allegedly posing as a journalist, accusing him of involvement in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that ignited the war.

Hamas’s Justification and Current Capabilities

Hamas stated that its rocket attack was a response to Israeli “massacres” of civilians in Gaza. Although the group’s ability to launch rockets has diminished due to Israeli operations targeting its infrastructure, sporadic attacks demonstrate its remaining capabilities. The recent barrage underscores Hamas’s ongoing resistance despite months of sustained military pressure.

Diplomatic Efforts and International Reactions

International leaders have intensified efforts to address the crisis. French President Emmanuel Macron met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Cairo on Monday. Macron condemned the renewed Israeli strikes and emphasized that Hamas should not govern Gaza after the conflict. Instead, he advocated for the Palestinian Authority—recognized internationally as representing Palestinians—to assume control. Meanwhile, Netanyahu is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss securing the release of 59 hostages still held by Hamas and strategies to end the war.

Background: Escalation Since October 2023

The current conflict traces back to October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants breached Israel’s border, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting 251 others. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has reportedly led to over 50,750 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The war has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, displacing millions and triggering a humanitarian crisis marked by shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.

Ongoing Humanitarian Concerns

The targeting of Nasser Hospital highlights the danger faced by civilians and medical workers. International organizations have repeatedly condemned strikes on healthcare facilities, urging protection for non-combatants. Journalists also operate under extreme risk, with multiple reporters killed or injured while covering the conflict.

Path Forward: Challenges and Proposals

Diplomatic solutions remain elusive. While Macron’s push for Palestinian Authority governance in Gaza aligns with some international viewpoints, Hamas’s entrenched presence and Israel’s rejection of its role complicate negotiations. The involvement of regional players like Egypt and Jordan, alongside U.S. engagement, underscores the complexity of brokering peace. Meanwhile, the plight of hostages and civilian suffering adds urgency to calls for a ceasefire.

Conclusion

The latest violence underscores the fragile state of Israeli-Palestinian relations. With both sides entrenched in their positions and civilian casualties mounting, the path to de-escalation remains uncertain. International mediation and humanitarian aid are critical to preventing further loss of life and addressing the deepening crisis in Gaza.