Rockets Fired at Israel After Gaza Hospital Attack

Palestinian fighters launched a wave of rockets at Israeli cities on Tuesday night. This came after Israeli airstrikes hit the Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.

The Al-Quds Brigades, the military arm of the Islamic Jihad group, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group said the rocket launches were in direct response to what they called “massacres” by the Israeli military.

In a press release, the Al-Quds Brigades said they had targeted Ashdod, Ashkelon, Sderot, and nearby Israeli settlements. They stated that this action was meant to show that the resistance could fight back after Israeli attacks.

Sirens Sound Across Southern Israel

After the rocket fire began, warning sirens were heard in multiple cities and towns in southern Israel. According to Israeli media, alarms went off in Ashdod, Ashkelon, Sderot, and surrounding areas.

The Israeli military confirmed that at least three rockets were launched from Gaza. Two were intercepted by air defense systems. The third rocket landed in an open area and did not cause any injuries or damage.

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed these details in a public statement. He noted that the country’s missile defense system, known as the Iron Dome, was successful in stopping the threats.

IDF Orders Evacuation in Central Gaza

Shortly after the rocket attack, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued evacuation orders for parts of central Gaza. Residents of Jabalia city, its refugee camp, and nearby areas were told to leave immediately.

People were directed to move to shelters in Gaza City. According to a report by Xinhua news agency, the orders were issued in anticipation of further military strikes.

Deadly Airstrike Hit Near Gaza European Hospital

The rocket attack by militants came only hours after a major Israeli airstrike hit the area around the Gaza European Hospital. The hospital is located in Khan Younis, a city in the southern Gaza Strip.

Palestinian health officials reported that at least six people were killed in the strike. Over 40 others were injured. Many of the wounded were taken to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.

Eyewitnesses said the explosion caused severe damage to buildings around the hospital. Ambulances rushed to the scene as rescue teams tried to find survivors under the rubble.

Israel Says Hospital Area Housed Hamas Site

The Israeli military stated that the airstrike near the hospital targeted a hidden Hamas command center. According to the IDF, Hamas often uses hospitals and other civilian areas to hide weapons and plan attacks.

In its official statement, the IDF accused Hamas of using the hospital as cover for military activity. They said the strike was carefully planned to hit an underground target.

Target May Have Been Hamas Figure

Israeli state broadcaster Kan reported that the target of the strike may have been Mohammed Sinwar. He is the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, a former Hamas leader who was killed last year in an Israeli operation in southern Gaza.

It is not yet confirmed if Mohammed Sinwar was among those killed in the attack. His name had appeared on Israeli military lists of high-priority targets.

Ongoing Violence Raises Fears of Escalation

The latest events add to growing fears of another major conflict in the region. Tensions have been rising for weeks, with both sides exchanging fire.

This is not the first time that hospitals in Gaza have been hit during air raids. In past conflicts, human rights groups have raised concerns about civilian safety during strikes in populated areas.

Israel has repeatedly said that Hamas places its operations in civilian zones to avoid detection. Palestinian leaders deny this and accuse Israel of targeting civilians and infrastructure on purpose.

International Reactions and Calls for Restraint

The international community has once again urged both sides to stop the violence. The United Nations has warned of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where health services are already under heavy strain.

Many governments have called for a ceasefire and for both sides to return to talks. Humanitarian groups are asking for safe zones to be created so that civilians can get medical help and basic needs.

The World Health Organization has asked for protection of hospitals and medical staff. They say that attacks on hospitals are violations of international law.