11 May 2021 | 06:30 PM UTC
Israel: Rocket sirens activated in central Israel and Tel Aviv late May 11 /update 3
Rocket sirens activated in central Israel and Tel Aviv following reports of projectile launches from the Gaza Strip late May 11.
Event
Authorities have activated rocket sirens in central Israel and in Tel Aviv late May 11 following reports of projectile launches from the Gaza Strip. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that sirens have been activated in Tel Aviv but did not immediately comment on the number of projectiles targeting the city. The alert sirens come after Hamas threatened to launch rockets at Tel Aviv in response to Israeli airstrikes against residential areas in the Gaza Strip. Israeli authorities have reportedly halted flights at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), although the extent of the flight disruptions remains unconfirmed. An unspecified number of casualties and damage have been reported.
Gaza-based militants will almost certainly launch additional rocket and mortar attacks against Israel's southern communities and cities amid heightened tensions. The IDF has stated that Gazan militants fired over 630 rocket and mortar rounds toward Israel since late May 10; 150 projectiles fell inside Gazan territory and some 200 others were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. Other projectiles have landed in open fields; some damage to buildings and infrastructure has been recorded in Israeli communities near the Israeli-Gazan border. Two civilians in Ashkelon were killed amid rocket fire and dozens of others have been injured.
The IDF has responded to the persistent rocket attacks with hundreds of retaliatory airstrikes against Hamas targets in Gaza. The Israeli military will almost certainly continue to conduct retaliatory airstrikes against militant targets in Gaza, notably in Gaza City and Khan Younis, in response to any further attacks. The recent rocket barrages come amid heightened tensions between Palestinians and Israelis following the latter's effort to evict Palestinians from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem. Tensions will likely remain at a heightened level over the coming days.
Context
Rocket and mortar attacks targeting communities in southern Israel are common. Most incidents do not result in casualties or serious damage. Israel's Iron Dome air defense system has successfully intercepted most projectiles that the Gaza-based militants launch. The security situation remains volatile, and further cross-border violence is likely. Israel has consistently launched military counterattacks following cross-border strikes.
Advice
Monitor local media and abide by security force directives. If possible, avoid areas within 5 km (3 miles) of the Gaza buffer zone until the security situation improves. If incoming mortar rounds or rockets are reported in southern Israel or warning sirens sound in the general vicinity, report to the nearest bomb shelter and await further instructions from authorities. If there is no shelter nearby, stay indoors, away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to a ground floor or basement.
Individuals or entities operating in the Gaza Strip are advised to avoid known Hamas security force locations, which are common targets for Israeli retaliatory airstrikes. Establish a thorough communication plan to ensure rapid accountability for all personnel operating in southern Israel and the Gaza Strip.
