Hamas launches rocket barrage on Tel Aviv

On Sunday, rocket sirens blared in Tel Aviv, Israel's bustling commercial center, marking the first such incident in months. At least three explosions were reported across central Israel as the Israeli military activated sirens amidst the continuing conflict in Gaza, including in the city of Rafah. The armed wing of Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, claimed responsibility for launching a significant rocket barrage on Tel Aviv in response to what they termed as 'Zionist massacres against civilians.'

Earlier that day, aid trucks managed to enter Gaza from southern Israel through an alternative route after Israeli forces gained control of the Rafah crossing with Egypt. However, the accessibility of humanitarian aid remained uncertain due to the ongoing conflict in the region. Approximately 200 trucks made their way from the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing, which had been shut since early May, to the Kerem Shalom crossing further south. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi agreed to permit aid through Kerem Shalom following discussions with US President Joe Biden.

Reports indicated that four fuel trucks had already crossed into Gaza and were heading towards hospitals. All aid from Egypt undergoes inspection by Israeli authorities and is distributed through the United Nations. The remaining trucks were anticipated to enter Gaza on the same day, as stated by Khaled Zayed, the head of the Egyptian Red Crescent in Al-Arish, the primary arrival point for aid.

The escalation of tensions in the region has once again brought the spotlight on the longstanding conflict between Israel and Palestine. The recent events underscore the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence. As the situation unfolds, international efforts to broker peace and provide aid to those in need remain crucial for fostering stability and security in the region.