Rocket sirens have sounded across Tel Aviv this afternoon as Hamas launched the first major attack on the city for almost four months.
A spokesman for the terror group confirmed they had launched a barrage of rockets towards Tel Aviv.
The Israeli military confirmed that at least 12 rockets were launched from an area around Rafa in southern Gaza and several were intercepted.
Rocket sirens also sounded in several other communities including Herzliya and Petah Tikva.
The remains of a rocket fired from Hamas into Israel
Reuters
A statement from the terror group's Al-Qassam Brigade announced it was targeting Tel Aviv with a large rocket barrage in response to what it called the "Zionist massacre against civilians."
The Israeli military is currently carrying out military operations around Rafah in preparation for an expected larger scale invasion.
According to the Israeli first responder organisation Magen David Adom, at least one person was injured in the Hamas rocket attack, a man in Herzliya who suffered shrapnel wounds.
There are also reports that a rocket impacted an area near Bnei Barak, but there are no indications of any casualties.
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A statement from Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigade announced it was targeting Tel Aviv with a large rocket barrage
Reuters
Commenting on the ongoing operation in Rafah, Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said: “Efforts to return the hostages (home) are ongoing, even now.”
The Defence Minister took part in an operational briefing on the Rafah operation, alongside the Deputy Chief of the General Staff Major General Amir Baram.
During the assessment, Minister Gallant was briefed on the troops’ operations above and below the ground, as well as the deepening of operations in additional areas with the aim of dismantling Hamas battalions.
The Minister said: “Our goals in Gaza are emphasised here in Rafah – to destroy Hamas, return the hostages, and maintain freedom of operation.
“Regarding the hostage issue – we are making tremendous efforts and will continue to do so, via both kinetic activities and by reaching agreements.”