Three Rockets Fired from Gaza at Tel Aviv as IDF Expands Ground Offensive

Sirens echoed across Tel Aviv on Thursday afternoon as three long-range rockets were launched from southern Gaza, marking the first attack on central Israel in over five months. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that one rocket was intercepted, while the other two landed in open areas, causing no reported injuries or significant damage.

The Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was in retaliation for Israeli military operations in Gaza. The IDF had already intensified ground operations in northern and southern Gaza, targeting  infrastructure and advancing into Shaboura camp in Rafah.

Following the attack, the IDF issued evacuation orders for Palestinian civilians in Bani Suheila, southern Gaza, warning of imminent airstrikes. Military officials stressed that Hamas continues to launch rockets from civilian areas, endangering the local population.

While Hamas officials arrived in Cairo for potential ceasefire negotiations, a Hamas representative admitted that no breakthrough had been made. Israeli officials maintain that any further negotiations will proceed “under fire”, reaffirming their stance against allowing Hamas to retain control of Gaza.

Israeli airstrikes have targeted and eliminated senior Hamas operatives, including Rashid Jahjouh, the head of Hamas’s “general security mechanism”, and Amin Eslaiah, a key leader in Khan Younis. Additionally, the IDF confirmed the death of Ismail Abd al-Alal, a senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad operative responsible for smuggling weapons into Gaza.

Hours before the Hamas rocket attack, an Iran-backed Houthi missile from Yemen was intercepted near Israel’s central region, escalating fears of a broader regional conflict. The IDF remains on high alert, vowing to continue military operations to neutralize threats while securing its borders.