Daijiworld Media Network- Gaza

Gaza, May 14: Tensions escalated in the Gaza region on Tuesday after the Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad movement, launched a series of rocket attacks targeting Israeli cities including Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Sderot. The group claimed the strikes were in retaliation for earlier Israeli airstrikes near the Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis.

In an official statement, the Brigades said, "We attacked Ashdod, Ashkelon, Sderot and Israeli settlements adjacent to Gaza with rocket barrages in response to the Israeli massacres against our Palestinian people." A source within the group stated that the rocket fire was aimed at demonstrating the resistance's ability to retaliate against Israeli military actions.

Israeli media confirmed that air raid sirens were triggered across southern Israel. According to Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Avichay Adraee, two of the rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system, while another fell in an open area, causing no injuries or significant damage.

Following the attacks, the IDF ordered civilians in Jabalia and adjacent areas in central Gaza to evacuate immediately, advising them to move to designated shelters in Gaza City amid fears of intensified military activity.

Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes targeted locations near the Gaza European Hospital. Gaza-based health authorities reported six deaths and at least 40 injuries as a result. The IDF claimed the strikes were aimed at a Hamas command and control centre allegedly operating underground near medical facilities.

Meanwhile, Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that the intended target may have been Mohammed Sinwar, brother of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was previously killed in an Israeli strike. However, it remains unclear if he was among the casualties.

The situation continues to remain volatile, with both sides bracing for further escalations.