Hamas announced the launch of a new barrage of rockets toward Jerusalem "in response to the bombing of civilian homes in the Gaza Strip." In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a video of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, stating: "We have begun [the operation], Israel will prevail." The Israeli military reported striking 130 locations in Gaza in the past hour and carried out one of the largest air raids ever against Hamas. A Reuters witness reported that "sirens sounded in Jerusalem today amidst the ongoing fighting between Palestinian factions in Gaza and the Israeli army."
**Prisoner Exchange**
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen stated that "Hamas has taken more than 100 people captive during a border raid earlier this week." He clarified in a press interview: "Currently, more than 700 people have been killed and slaughtered, and over 100 individuals have been captured." Regarding a potential prisoner exchange, an Israeli official denied reports about the possibility of a swap between Israel and the Palestinian factions in Gaza. The official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said: "There are no ongoing negotiations."
**Ashkelon Port**
In related news, maritime and trade sources reported that "Ashkelon port and its oil facilities in Israel have been closed following the conflict with Hamas."
