Israeli Fighter Jets Attack Hamas Positions Following Rocket Attacks from Gaza

The Israeli army stated that following rocket and mortar attacks from the Gaza Strip in the early hours of June 30, it conducted airstrikes on 25 Hamas positions in the area. Reuters reported, citing local residents, that 'two Hamas security officials sustained minor injuries in one of these attacks.' The incident on Wednesday and the exchange of fire between the ruling militants in Gaza and the Israeli army is considered one of the most serious events of this nature in recent times. No reports of human casualties during the attacks have been published. In parts of Israel, sirens were heard a few hours before sunrise, and alert apps also went off. According to the Israeli army, a total of 30 rockets and mortars were fired from the Gaza Strip, of which the country's Iron Dome defense system tracked and intercepted seven rockets. In recent weeks, in addition to rocket and mortar attacks, a group of Gaza residents has been sending incendiary kites to Israeli areas, fields, and orchards. These kites and some other smaller explosive materials have become a new challenge. Since the Gaza war in 2014, the Israeli army has increased its efforts and actions to improve defense systems and other advanced technologies that can detect tunnels dug by militants. Besides rocket attacks, incendiary kites, and counterattacks by the Israeli army, confrontations with protesters at the Gaza border have resulted in the deaths of 127 Palestinians so far. Reuters reports that Israel's tactics to counter weekly protests on Fridays by Palestinians have faced international criticism. The UN Secretary-General also expressed concern yesterday about the high number of Palestinians killed and injured in recent protests by Israeli forces, warning of the possibility of war in the Gaza Strip. Antonio Guterres stated, 'I am shocked by the number of Palestinians killed and injured due to the use of live ammunition by the Israeli army.' Israel claims that Hamas's goal is 'the destruction of Israel' and that it incites violence against Israel with this aim. Israeli officials have expressed concern about the 'infiltration' of Hamas elements through protests into their territory. The Israeli Prime Minister emphasized that the country's security forces will take any necessary action to protect their land and citizens. The Gaza Strip is under blockade by both Israel and Egypt, with both countries stating that the blockade is for 'security reasons.' However, various concerns have been raised regarding the economic situation and the quality of life for civilians in Gaza.