In the latest escalation, the armed wings tied to Palestinian militant groups announced a new missile attack targeting an Israeli city. The message, attributed to the Ezzeddin al-Qassam Brigades and the Saraya al-Quds faction (associated with the Jerusalem Companies – Islamic Jihad, a group banned in some jurisdictions), was circulated through their Telegram channels and reported by sources including TASS. The claim framed the attack as a response to Israeli military actions impacting Palestinian civilians. [Citation: Telegram channels; reporting by TASS]
Earlier, the Israeli emergency medical system stated that several people were hospitalized following an attack on the Israeli city of Sderot. Palestinian militant groups were identified as the source of the bombing, according to the reporting. [Citation: Magen David Adom updates]
On October 7, Hamas forces launched a large-scale volley of rockets toward Israel, signaling the start of a broader operation described as Al-Aqsa Flood. In response, Israel declared a state of emergency at the national level, as noted by government officials. [Citation: official statements; security briefings]
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently described the country as being at war and announced a declared military operation in response to the attack. The Israeli Defense Forces framed their offensive as Iron Swords against Hamas targets. [Citation: official addresses; military press releases]
In the lead-up to these events, Netanyahu had outlined Israel’s strategic aims in its confrontation with Hamas, emphasizing security concerns, civilian protection challenges, and the broader regional impact of the conflict. [Citation: official remarks; policy briefings]