The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that approximately 10 projectiles were fired from the area near the Rafah Crossing towards Kerem Shalom, following rocket fire by the Ezzedine al-Qassam brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Hamas movement. In response, IAF fighter jets targeted the launcher from which the projectiles were fired and also struck a military structure in the launcher area.
The al-Qassam Brigades stated that they struck enemy forces in the area with short-range rockets, as shown in a video accompanying their statement. However, their actions led to criticism from Israel, which accused Hamas of exploiting humanitarian facilities and using the civilian population of Gaza as human shields.
The escalation of violence in the area highlights the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. The closure of Kerem Shalom crossing impacts the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, exacerbating an already dire situation in the region. Efforts to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution to this conflict are urgently needed to prevent further harm to civilians on both sides.