Israel strikes Gaza and Syria
Tit-for-tat violence escalating in run-up to fresh Israeli elections

Israeli aircraft have bombed the Gaza Strip and Syria, killing two people, after earlier rocket fire.
The Israeli Air Force claims it targeted “Islamic Jihad terror sites” throughout Gaza and near the Syrian capital, Damascus. The Guardian says “the latest tit-for-tat violence” comes “ahead of a fresh general election”.
Earlier, more than 20 rockets and mortars were fired from Gaza, in response to the killing of a Jihadist militant along the Gaza-Israel border.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Israeli military claims that the strike in the area of Al Adleyeh, south of Damascus, targeted a site where the militant group conducts research and development of weapons, both by adapting them to manufacturing in the Gaza Strip, as well as for manufacturing in Syria.
The Israeli paper Ha’artez says the city of Ashkelon has opened public shelters and cancelled public events at community centres. Police have also bolstered forces in southern Israel, as a response to the bombing of Gaza is expected.
“The attacks were carried out in response to the attempted terror attack this morning on the perimeter fence and the launching of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory,” a statement from the military read.
“The IDF will respond to any terror acts of the Islamic Jihad that endanger Israeli civilians and harm its sovereignty. The IDF views the rocket attack towards Israeli territory with great severity, is prepared and will continue operating as necessary against attempts to harm Israeli civilians.”
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Since the Syrian conflict began in 2011, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria, mainly targeting government forces as well as allied Iranian forces and Hezbollah fighters. However, it rarely directly claims responsibility for them.
According to Ynet, Palestinians say Egypt and the UN are attempting to broker a ceasefire that will return calm to the region.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
-
Israel, Hamas agree to first step of Trump peace plan
Speed Read Israel’s military pulls back in Gaza amid prisoner exchange
-
Israel intercepts 2nd Gaza aid flotilla in a week
Speed Read The Israeli military intercepted a flotilla of nine boats with 145 activists aboard along with medical and food aid
-
Israel and Hamas meet on hostages, Trump’s plan
Speed Read Hamas accepted the general terms of Trump’s 20-point plan, including the release of all remaining hostages
-
Netanyahu agrees to Trump’s new Gaza peace plan
Speed Read At President Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, they agreed upon a plan to end Israel’s war in Gaza
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Israel and the Gaza flotilla
The Explainer Activists fear loss of life after blaming Israel for drone attacks on ships
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
Inside Syria’s al-Hol camp
Under the radar Aid cuts mean authorities face ‘uphill struggle’ to maintain security