Israeli air defenses intercepted three rockets fired from northern Gaza on Monday evening, setting off sirens in Sderot and nearby communities, the military reported. No injuries or damage were caused.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attacks, marking the third round of rocket fire since Israel resumed its offensive against Hamas last week. Hamas had previously launched rockets toward central Israel and Ashkelon.
The first attack occurred around 7 p.m., triggering alarms in multiple areas. The second, at 9 p.m., set off sirens in Sderot, Ibim, and Nir Am. Both times, Israel’s defense systems successfully intercepted the rockets. Following the first barrage, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued evacuation warnings for Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun, where the rockets originated. A similar warning was issued for Jabalia after the third rocket attack.
Earlier Monday, the IDF conducted airstrikes targeting Hamas infrastructure, including over 100 pickup trucks used by the terror group. Additionally, Israeli forces confirmed the killing of senior Hamas official Ismail Barhoum in an airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Barhoum, a key figure in Hamas’s financial operations, was the successor to Issam Da’alis, Hamas’s de-facto prime minister, who was killed last week.
Israel and Hamas had previously reached a ceasefire and hostage-exchange deal that lasted 42 days before collapsing. Talks for a new agreement failed, leading Israel to resume military operations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that any further negotiations will occur “under fire.”
