11 May 2021 | 08:09 PM UTC
Israel: Gazan militants launch over 100 rockets targeting central Israel and Tel Aviv late May 11 /update 4
Militants fire over 100 rockets from Gaza Strip toward central Israel and Tel Aviv late May 11; Ben Gurion Airport resumes flights.
Event
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that Gazan militants launched over 100 rockets toward central Israel and Tel Aviv late May 11. An Israeli civilian was killed in the Tel Aviv suburb of Rishon Leziyon following a direct hit to the person's residence; at least eight other individuals have been injured. Material damage has been reported to several buildings in the area. Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) have claimed responsibility for the rocket barrages, warning of future attacks if Israel continues to carry out airstrikes targeting residential areas of the Gaza Strip. The IDF reported that it is responding to the attack by striking Hamas weapons sites located inside civilian buildings in Gaza. Additional rocket fire from Gaza and further retaliatory airstrikes are likely amid the escalating violence. Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) has reportedly reopened to flights late May 11 after closing for over an hour due to the cross-border rocket fire; similar closures of the airport are possible amid future Gazan rocket salvos.
Gaza-based militants will almost certainly launch additional rocket and mortar attacks against Israel's southern communities and major cities, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, 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 the Gaza Strip, and it will almost certainly continue to conduct retaliatory airstrikes against militant targets in the territory, 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 and 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.
