The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have issued an air raid alert in the city of Ashkelon and the Lakhish region, according to a message posted on the IDF’s Telegram channel. Videos showing the aftermath of the strike have since circulated on social media. Prior to this, Hamas announced the launch of 150 rockets towards the Israeli city of Ashkelon. On October 7th, Hamas forces launched thousands of rockets into Israeli territory, marking the beginning of their operation named “Flood of Al-Aqsa.” Thousands of militants infiltrated Israeli territory, seizing dozens of military vehicles and over a hundred hostages. Against this backdrop, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the country is in a state of war. In response, the IDF initiated an operation dubbed “Iron Swords,” with the goal of destroying Hamas. The Israeli Air Force conducted strikes on hundreds of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, while the Israeli National Security Council decided to halt the supply of water, food, goods, electricity, and fuel to the region. On October 13th, Israel notified the United Nations that 1.1 million Palestinians should evacuate to the southern Gaza within 24 hours in anticipation of a ground operation in the area. Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant promised a “unprecedented response” that would be remembered in the Gaza Strip for the next 50 years.
