The new year began with Hamas rocket attacks on Israel and new Israeli army bombings on the Gaza Strip. The attacks on southern Israel and the city of Tel Aviv began exactly at midnight (local time, 22:00 CET), as reported by journalists from the AFP news agency. According to Palestinian sources, at least 24 people died in nighttime attacks by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli military confirmed rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip to Tel Aviv and the south of the country, but initially did not provide any information about possible casualties and damage. According to AFP journalists, the missiles were intercepted by Tel Aviv's anti-aircraft system.
Hamas claims responsibility for rocket attacks
Many of the people who gathered in the streets for New Year's Eve celebrations tried to get to safety. Hamas' military wing, the Essedin al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for the attacks in a video published online.
Dozens dead in Gaza
According to Palestinian sources, at least 35 people were killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza yesterday. According to its own information, the army discovered other tunnels and a weapons cache in a kindergarten. According to the UN, 85 percent of the Gaza Strip's 2.4 million inhabitants are fleeing due to the fighting. The risk of disease and hunger is increasing.