A new Hamas statement claims an attack on Jerusalem, issued via the movement’s Telegram channel and reported by TASS. The message frames the assault as retaliation for what Hamas describes as the mass destruction of Palestinian civilians by Israeli forces.
A video circulated after the rocket barrage that targeted Jerusalem, appearing in the days following the incident. The footage is part of ongoing documentation of hostilities and tensions in the region.
During the events surrounding October 7, Hamas forces reportedly fired thousands of rockets into Israel. At the same time, they announced the start of a campaign called Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. The operation was marked by militants crossing into Israeli territory, the capture of military equipment, and the taking of more than a hundred hostages. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the country was at war and mobilized resources accordingly.
In parallel, the Israel Defense Forces launched an operation named Iron Swords with the stated objective of dismantling Hamas. The air campaign targeted numerous Hamas sites across the Gaza Strip. Concurrently, Israel’s National Security Council moved to restrict essential supplies into Gaza, including food, water, electricity, and fuel, in an effort to pressure the territory facing the crisis. By mid-October, UN officials conveyed a demand for the evacuation of a substantial portion of Palestinians to southern Gaza ahead of possible ground operations, a request that underscored the deteriorating security situation in the region.
Commentary from Israeli political figures followed, with Ben-Gvir, who previously held a national security portfolio, arguing that efforts should not be judged solely by military action or humanitarian aid. He emphasized the immediate need to secure safe conditions for hostages and called for stronger moves to constrain Hamas, framing the civilian crisis within the broader security calculus.
The unfolding sequence of strikes, counterstrikes, and humanitarian considerations continues to shape the daily narrative in the Israel-Gaza conflict. Analysts note the escalation has prompted international concern and prompted security advisories across borders, alongside ongoing diplomatic efforts to manage the crisis and prevent further civilian harm. In this volatile environment, leadership statements from both sides continue to influence public perception and the strategic options open to regional and global actors.