The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad movement, announced on Tuesday that they launched rocket attacks on Israeli cities in retaliation for airstrikes on the Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis, located in the southern Gaza Strip.
“We attacked Ashdod, Ashkelon, Sderot, and Israeli settlements adjacent to Gaza with rocket barrages in response to the Israeli massacres against our Palestinian people,” the group stated.
A source within the movement emphasized that the attack was meant to demonstrate “the resistance’s ability to respond decisively to Israeli attacks.” Sirens were reported in several southern Israeli cities and towns, including Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Sderot, according to Israeli media outlets.
Avichay Adraee, the Israeli military spokesperson, confirmed that two rockets fired from the Gaza Strip were intercepted, while a third landed in an open area without causing casualties or significant damage.
Israel Orders Evacuations Ahead of Strikes
In response to the rocket attacks, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ordered residents of Jabalia city, the refugee camp, and surrounding neighborhoods in central Gaza to evacuate immediately ahead of planned strikes. Residents were instructed to relocate to shelter centers in Gaza City.
Airstrikes Result in Casualties
Earlier on Tuesday, intensive Israeli airstrikes targeted areas near the Gaza European Hospital. Gaza-based health authorities reported that at least six Palestinians were killed and 40 others were injured in the attacks.
The IDF stated that the strike was aimed at an underground Hamas command and control center, accusing Hamas of using hospitals to conceal militant infrastructure. Israeli media, including state broadcaster Kan, reported that the strike targeted Mohammed Sinwar, a Hamas figure and the younger brother of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. It remains unclear whether Mohammed Sinwar was among the casualties.
China Calls for International Action
China urged the international community on Tuesday to take urgent action to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the UN, addressed the UN Security Council, stating, “Gaza has become a living hell. Israel’s continuous bombing and raids are causing civilian casualties every day.”
Fu called on Israel to uphold international humanitarian law and lift the blockade to allow unhindered access to food, medicine, and other critical supplies. He also emphasized the need to protect humanitarian workers, noting that over 400 aid workers have been killed in the conflict.
“China urges Israel to immediately cease its military attacks on Gaza,” Fu said, adding that military action cannot resolve the conflict and will only prolong the humanitarian crisis.
