Hamas on Sunday night signaled that it is far from defeated by launching a 10-rocket barrage on the Israeli coastal cities of Ashkelon and Ashdod. At least half of the rockets were intercepted, but falling shrapnel and those rockets that did hit wounded a number of people and caused damage.
One of the rockets landed in a residential area of Ashkelon, causing injuries and widespread panic. Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon reported that 27 people had arrived for treatment following the attack, according to Israel’s Channel 12 News. Of these, 17 suffered from anxiety, seven were wounded by shrapnel, one person sustained an eye injury and two others were hurt while running to a bomb shelter. All of the injuries were classified as minor.
Approx. 10 projectiles were just fired by terrorists in Gaza toward Israeli cities.
The IAF intercepted most of the projectiles fired. https://t.co/mRHxHABKuU
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 6, 2025
Several vehicles were damaged by shrapnel near a parking lot in the Ashkelon area. Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam visited the site and issued a sharp statement:
“I expect the Israeli government and the Israel Defense Forces to strike Hamas with all their might and destroy any of its ability to once again disrupt our daily lives in the city.”
Hamas quickly claimed responsibility for the attack, calling it retaliation for renewed Israeli military operations in Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—who was en route to the United States to meet with US President Donald Trump—held emergency consultations with Defense Minister Israel Katz. Following their discussion, Netanyahu approved an escalation of military operations against Hamas.
Katz publicly announced that he had instructed the IDF to intensify its response, stating the goal was to deliver a significant blow to the terrorist group.
Following the rocket barrage, the IDF launched airstrikes against the launch site. Prior to the strikes, urgent evacuation notices were issued to residents in parts of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, according to the military.
Want more news from Israel?
Click Here to sign up for our FREE daily email updates
