In a recent update, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced an air alarm in the city of Ashkelon and Israeli settlements near the Gaza Strip. This announcement comes amidst escalating tensions in the region.
At approximately 17:38, an air alarm was reported in northern Israel, near the border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah militants are positioned. Prior to this, around 17:30 Moscow time, an air alarm was sounded in settlements near the Gaza border.
The situation in the Middle East has become increasingly tense since October 7th, when thousands of armed Hamas supporters crossed into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war.
Israel’s objective in its retaliatory operation is to repel the attack, free over 200 hostages, including foreign nationals, and eliminate Hamas. Since the beginning of the operation, Israel has conducted extensive rocket strikes on the Gaza Strip. In addition, the Israeli National Security Council has decided to halt the supply of water, food, goods, electricity, and fuel to the Gaza Strip.
On October 27th, Israel announced an “expansion” of its ground operation in Gaza. On November 5th, as part of the ground operation, IDF forces surrounded the city of Gaza, cutting off its supply routes. On December 5th, the IDF initiated the third phase of the ground operation in the Gaza Strip, encircling the city of Khan Yunis in the southern part of the region.
Previously, the Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations began wearing a yellow star as a symbol of solidarity.
