Hamas fired over 20 missiles at Israel on New Year's Eve
At the beginning of 2024, on New Year's night, Palestinian militants from Hamas fired more than 20 missiles into the south and center of Israel, reports The Times of Israel.
Most of the air targets were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. Sirens were heard in various locations in the center of the country, including Rehovot, Ness Ziona, Holon, Lod, and Modi'in, as well as Ashdod, Sderot, and other southern cities.
The al-Qassam Brigade, the military wing of Hamas, issued a statement claiming that it fired a volley of M90 missiles at Tel Aviv on New Year's Eve. The Israeli Defense Forces acknowledged the attack.
"New year, same Hamas terrorism. While 129 Israelis are still being held captive by Hamas in Gaza, Hamas has also decided to start 2024 by firing missiles at Israel. There will be no happy New Year until all the hostages return home," the Israeli military said.
War between Israel and Hamas
On October 7, Hamas militants invaded Israel. The terrorists began killing and kidnapping both military and civilians. Soon, Jerusalem announced Operation Iron Swords and shelled terrorist sites in the Gaza Strip.
On November 24, a temporary truce began between Jerusalem and the militants to release prisoners, with Qatar acting as a mediator. Already on December 1, hostilities resumed, according to Israel, due to a violation of the truce by Hamas.
On December 20, Israel offered the Palestinians a truce for a week. But Hamas rejected the offer.
Subsequently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named three conditions that must be met to end the war against the Palestinian militants of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.