The evening rocket barrages from the Gaza Strip, totaling around 469 rockets, caused significant damage in Ashkelon and other settlements, with Israeli media reporting over 16 injuries and "extensive damage to homes and neighborhoods," along with power outages. This escalation follows a joint press conference by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, particularly after news emerged about the mediation stalling due to the "assassinations" clause.
The Islamic Jihad Movement warned that "the policy of bombing homes will be met with bombings of Tel Aviv and the Israeli depth."
In response to the movement's warning, the Israeli army launched late Wednesday warning rockets at several homes belonging to Islamic Jihad leaders, demanding their immediate evacuation in preparation for bombing. In a statement, the Israeli army mentioned that it targeted a command center belonging to the Islamic Jihad's rocket unit in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem cautioned that the operation in Gaza is ongoing and "embassy staff are prohibited from traveling to Ashkelon."
Sources indicated that the rockets launched at Ashkelon were loaded with warheads weighing half a ton. Israeli media reported that Israeli warships fired shots and illumination flares off the coast of Gaza. The United Nations condemned the loss of civilian lives in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire.
