The military said it targeted an underground Hamas facility for the production of rocket materials in the central Gaza Strip. Palestinians reported several strikes near Gaza City just before 5am. Videos and photos on social media show large fireballs rising after strikes on unspecified targets. “The site targeted was one of the largest and most important sites in the Strip for the production of key materials for missiles by terrorist groups,” the military said, arguing that the strike would significantly delay missile manufacturing. The military routinely holds Hamas responsible for any attacks emanating from Gaza. At the same time, two more rockets were fired towards Israel and warning sirens were activated in the Lakhish Regional Council in the northeast of the Strip. Both missiles hit open areas. Get The Times of Israel Daily Edition by email and never miss our top stories By signing up, you agree to the terms Earlier, two rockets were fired into Israel from Gaza. According to the Israel Defense Forces, one of the rockets was intercepted by the Iron Dome defense system, while the other landed in an open area without causing any damage. There was no immediate claim from any of the Gaza-based terror groups for Saturday’s rocket fire shortly after midnight. Video| Press coverage: “The moment the occupation aircraft bombarded the Al-Baydar site, southwest of Gaza City.” pic.twitter.com/MboiUllMVB — Quds News Network (@qudsn) July 16, 2022 Incoming missile sirens sounded in the southern coastal city of Ashkelon, sending local residents scurrying for shelter. The Magen David Adom Ambulance Service said there were no reports of physical injuries following the rocket attack, but two people were treated for stress. Footage posted on social media purported to show the moment one of the missiles was intercepted by Iron Dome. Alert in Ashkelon, red in the Gaza Strip. In the sky of Ashkelon there is an interception @ Itsik_zuarets (Photo: Eddie Israel) pic.twitter.com/MSJ5b63mdf – Here’s the news (@kann_news) July 15, 2022 The rocket launch came hours after US President Joe Biden left the country and shortly after the US leader, now in Saudi Arabia, announced a deal that includes steps by Riyadh to normalize relations with Israel. The deal would see a pair of Red Sea islands transferred from Egypt to Saudi Arabia, and Riyadh would allow Israeli airlines to fly over its territory en route to the Far East. It is also expected to include the Saudis allowing direct flights from Israel for Muslim pilgrims. #photos | Israeli shelling of a site linked to Palestinian factions south of Gaza City and smoke billowing after being bombarded with more than 8 rockets pic.twitter.com/N9UgAxf4oW — News Source (@msdrnews1) July 16, 2022 In 2020, the Hamas terrorist group that rules Gaza fired rockets into the south as Israel signed peace accords with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Biden departed Israel earlier Friday after a two-day trip that included meetings with Israeli leaders and a visit to East Jerusalem and the West Bank. More footage of the apparent intercept over Ashkelon. pic.twitter.com/b4DQWiMOfC — Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) July 15, 2022 In the past, Israel has responded with airstrikes against Hamas sites, regardless of which group launched the attack. More rarely, it has turned its response to Islamic Jihad if the terrorist group has claimed responsibility. The last time rockets were fired from the coastal enclave towards Israel was on June 18. This attack is believed to have been launched by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in response to the deaths of three Palestinians killed in a clash with Israeli troops a day earlier. Join our Israeli cooking experience! Israeli cooking is stirring the world. Here’s your chance to join… The Times of Israel Community is excited to introduce our new virtual cooking series, B’Teavon, where world-renowned chefs show you how to make classic and modern Israeli dishes. Learn more Learn more Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this You are a devoted reader We are really glad that you read X Times of Israel articles last month. That’s why we started the Times of Israel ten years ago – to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world. So now we have a request. Unlike other media, we have not set up a paywall. But because the journalism we do is expensive, we invite readers to whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community. For just $6 a month you can support our quality journalism by enjoying Times of Israel ADS-FREE, as well as access to exclusive content available only to members of the Times of Israel Community. Thank you, David Horovitz, founding editor of the Times of Israel Join our community Join our community Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
