Israel hits 25 Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip in response to rocket launches
Israeli army says the Palestinian extremist movement launched at least 45 cross-border missiles overnight. Seven were intercepted by the Israeli defense system. Since the beginning of the violence there have been 132 victims among the Palestinians, none among the Israelis. The UN agency for Palestinians suspends payment of salaries and humanitarian operations due to lack of funds.
Jerusalem (AsiaNews / Agencies) - In the early hours of the dawn, Israeli fighter jets hit 25 targets in the Gaza Strip, in response to rockets from across the Palestinian territories. According to army sources, at least 45 missiles were launched from Gaza overnight in the direction of Israel; seven of these were intercepted by the "iron dome" missile defense system.
In response, Israeli jets carried out three different operations against military targets belonging to the Palestinian extremist Hamas movement. This week's conflict between Israel and Hamas comes in the context of deadly clashes following protests along the Gaza border in recent weeks.
To date, 132 victims have been registered among the Palestinians; none among the Israelis.
"The Hamas terrorist organization - explains the Israeli army in a statement - targeted Israeli citizens throughout the night, in the context of a heavy mortar attack and is dragging the Gaza Strip and its civilians down a deteriorating path".
The government maintains that the leaders of the Islamic extremist movement are exploiting the protests to launch attacks. tHey believe this justifies their response using ammunition and weapons to defend their borders.
Recently, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and other international leaders warned about the danger of a conflict in Gaza. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars in the last 10 years interspersed with periods of truce, frequently violated by hostile acts.
Meanwhile, the UN agency for the relief and employment of Palestinian refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) could postpone payment of wages and suspend some operations in Gaza due to lack of funds. The UN agency is in serious financial crisis since the United States decided to cut $ 250 million from the budget. Washington has long represented the main sponsor (around 30% of the total); however, at the beginning of the year the administration of President Donald Trump decided to reduce the payments because of the anti-Israeli positions taken by the institution.
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17/05/2021 10:29
30/05/2018 10:00
