Hamas Claims Rocket Attack on Israel as Airstrikes Kill 24 in Gaza

On April 29, 2024, Hamas's al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on an Israeli military post from southern Lebanon, in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes that killed at least 24 Palestinians in Rafah and Gaza City. The Israeli airstrikes targeted three residential buildings in Rafah, killing 15 people including 6 women and 5 children, with one child just 5 days old. Many others remained trapped under the rubble as civil defense crews worked to rescue them.

The Hamas-run Health Ministry reported that in the past 24 hours, the Israeli army killed 66 Palestinians and wounded 138 others, bringing the total death toll to 34,454 and injuries to 77,575 since the Israeli-Palestinian conflict began on October 7, 2023. Israel has regularly carried out airstrikes on Rafah, which it considers the last major Hamas stronghold in Gaza, and has threatened to send in ground troops despite warnings from the U.S. and others of a potential humanitarian catastrophe.

Why this matters: The ongoing Israel-Hamas war, sparked by a militant raid into southern Israel in October 2023, has killed over 34,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians. The International Criminal Court is investigating possible war crimes committed by Israel and Palestinian militants, raising concerns about potential arrest warrants against Israeli leaders.

The airstrikes on Rafah came hours before Egypt was expected to host leaders of Hamas to discuss prospects for a ceasefire agreement with Israel. Hamas officials said a delegation led by Khalil Al-Hayya, the group's deputy Gaza chief, would discuss a ceasefire proposal with mediators from Qatar and Egypt, as well as Israel's response. The latest proposals reportedly include an agreement to release fewer than 40 hostages in exchange for releasing Palestinians held in Israeli jails, and a second phase of a truce with a period of sustained calm.

"The situation is still very difficult," a Hamas official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We are discussing a ceasefire, but it's not easy to reach an agreement while Israel continues its aggression."

Key Takeaways

• Hamas claims rocket attack on Israel, retaliation for airstrikes killing 24 Palestinians.
• Israeli airstrikes on Rafah kill 15, including 6 women and 5 children, with 34,454 Palestinians killed since 2023.
• ICC investigating possible war crimes, concerns over arrest warrants against Israeli leaders.
• Egypt to host Hamas leaders for ceasefire talks, proposals include prisoner exchange.
• Hamas official says ceasefire difficult to reach as Israel continues aggression.