Palestinian militants in Gaza launched a barrage of rockets into Israel on Monday as the country marked the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack, Israeli military officials said.
The rocket fire did not disrupt nearby commemoration ceremonies, according to local authorities. Hamas also claimed attacks on Israeli forces in various parts of Gaza.
In response, the Israeli military reported launching overnight artillery and airstrikes, targeting what it described as Hamas launch posts and underground infrastructure. “These strikes aim to thwart imminent attacks,” said IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus.
The exchange of fire underscores the ongoing tensions one year after Hamas militants killed approximately 1,200 people in southern Israel and took 250 hostages. Around 100 captives are believed to still be held in Gaza, with a third presumed dead.
Since October 7, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in about 42,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health officials. The offensive has also left large areas of Gaza in ruins and displaced nearly 90% of its population.
“This anniversary reminds us of the human cost of this conflict on both sides,” said UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland. “We continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages.”
As Israel commemorates the attacks, it faces multiple fronts of conflict, including with Hezbollah in Lebanon. The country has also vowed to retaliate against Iran for a recent ballistic missile attack.
