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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
-
Deaf Republic: ‘an experimental epic of war and resistance’
The Week Recommends Ukrainian-American writer Ilya Kaminsky’s poetry collection is brought to the stage in this ‘enthralling’ production
-
The Week US subscriptions FAQ
How to manage your subscription, get digital access, enquire about delivery problems and renew gift subscriptions
-
10 upcoming albums to stream during spooky season
The Week Recommends As fall arrives, check out new albums from Taylor Swift, Jeff Tweedy, the Lemonheads and more
-
Israel targets Hamas leaders in Qatar airstrike
Speed Read Hamas said five low-level leaders were killed in the attack
-
What are the Abraham Accords and why are they under threat?
The Explainer The 2020 agreements would be 'undermined' if Israel annexes West Bank, UAE warns
-
What is Tony Blair's plan for Gaza?
Today's Big Question Former PM has reportedly been putting together a post-war strategy 'for the past several months'
-
UN votes to end Lebanon peacekeeping mission
Speed Read The Trump administration considers the UN's Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to be a 'waste of money'
-
How Israel's 'Legitimisation Cell' is justifying journalist killings in Gaza
The Explainer Evidence suggests a secret intelligence unit is portraying Palestinian journalists as Hamas operatives
-
Israeli double strike on Gaza hospital kills 20
Speed Read The dead include five journalists who worked for The Associated Press, Reuters and Al Jazeera
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
Settling the West Bank: a death knell for a Palestine state?
In the Spotlight The reality on the ground is that the annexation of the West Bank is all but a done deal