Rockets launched at Israel in response to Gaza hospital strikes

Tel Aviv/Gaza – Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply as militants from Gaza launched a fresh wave of rockets at Israel on Tuesday, in what they claimed was retaliation for recent airstrikes that hit multiple hospitals across the Gaza Strip.

According to Palestinian health authorities, at least three hospitals were severely damaged in the latest Israeli air operations, resulting in the deaths of dozens of patients and medical staff. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), however, denied deliberately targeting hospitals and stated they were pursuing “terrorist infrastructure hidden within civilian zones.”

Shortly after the hospital strikes, air raid sirens were triggered across southern and central Israel, including in Tel Aviv. Israel’s Iron Dome defense system reportedly intercepted several rockets, but a few projectiles managed to cause minor damage to buildings and vehicles. There were no immediate reports of Israeli casualties.

Hamas and other armed factions in Gaza claimed responsibility for the rocket barrage, calling it a “natural response” to what they termed as “Israeli war crimes against the sick and injured.”

The international community has expressed alarm over the growing number of civilian deaths. The United Nations has called for an independent investigation into the hospital strikes and urged both parties to observe international humanitarian law.

In response to the rocket fire, Israel launched counterattacks on suspected militant sites across northern Gaza. The cycle of retaliation continues to raise fears of a full-scale ground invasion, with Israeli tanks reportedly mobilizing near the border.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held an emergency security meeting and warned of a “firm and calculated” response to any attack on Israeli soil. “Israel will defend itself and ensure the safety of its citizens,” he stated.

Meanwhile, hospitals in Gaza are reportedly overwhelmed, with medics struggling to treat the wounded amid power outages and supply shortages. Human rights organizations have appealed for the opening of humanitarian corridors to allow aid into the besieged region.

As both sides trade blame, the people of Gaza and Israel continue to bear the brunt of a conflict that shows no signs of de-escalation.

World leaders, including those from the US, EU, and Arab League, are urging immediate ceasefire talks, though no concrete progress has been reported so far.

With the death toll climbing and infrastructure crumbling, analysts warn that the region is on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe unless urgent diplomatic intervention is made.