Hamas fired rockets at Israeli towns bordering the Gaza Strip at midnight during New Year's celebrations – mirroring a similar attack exactly one year ago – and disrupting festivities and forcing thousands to seek shelter.
While air defenses intercepted some projectiles, others landed in an open area. No casualties were reported in the attack, which the terror group later claimed responsibility for.
🚨New year, new me? Not according to Hamas.
Hamas continues to threaten our civilians and just fired 2 rockets, triggering sirens in southern Israel.
We will continue operating to bring our 100 remaining hostages home and dismantle Hamas. pic.twitter.com/Msvv8IC1My
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 31, 2024
In related news, the IDF and Shin Bet security agency announced the elimination of a Hamas Nukhba unit commander Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a key orchestrator of the Oct. 7 assault on Kibbutz Nir Oz. According to the military, "Sabah also led and advanced numerous terrorist attacks against IDF troops throughout the current war." The precision strike was carried out by an Air Force aircraft, utilizing intelligence gathered through coordinated efforts.
Meanwhile, the defense establishment is laying groundwork for expanded operations in northern Gaza, contingent on Hamas' continued failure to provide names of hostages slated for release through negotiations. Israeli sources indicate the current diplomatic impasse stems from Hamas' non-compliance with its commitment to provide the hostage list. Israel maintains a firm stance, insisting on the complete list's transfer before proceeding.
The Nahal Brigade concluded its seven-month deployment in Rafah, marking a period that saw 15 successful brigade-level operations, the neutralization of hundreds of terrorists, and the discovery of a major underground tunnel network beneath a former mosque. Operational responsibility has been transferred to the Kiryati Brigade combat team.
