Hamas has claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on the southern Israeli city of Ashdod during Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.
In a statement, the militant group’s military wing said the attack was carried out “in response to the targeting of civilians.”
The Israel Defense Forces, IDF, reported that five rockets were fired from northern Gaza. Four were intercepted by Israel’s air defense systems, while one landed in an open area, causing no injuries or significant damage.
The attack coincided with heightened tensions in the region, as the Israeli Navy intercepted a large flotilla attempting to break the maritime blockade on Gaza.
The IDF has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Israeli civilians while maintaining military operations aimed at Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
Yom Kippur: Hamas claims responsibility for rocket barrage on Ashdod