Israel Intercepts Rocket Fire From Gaza

Latest Developments

Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system intercepted rocket fire from Gaza on June 24, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. The incident was one of several recent attempts by terrorists to threaten Israeli communities near the coastal enclave. Rocket sirens also sounded on June 23 in the community of Shlomit and on June 22 in Sufa. In general, rocket fire and other types of attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza have significantly declined since the Hamas atrocities of October 7. Nevertheless, Hamas and other terrorist groups continue to try to launch short-range rockets. The decreased rocket fire comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israeli media on June 24 that he is open to a partial deal with Hamas that could return some of the 120 hostages still held in Gaza. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said on June 23 that Israel is close to dismantling Hamas’s Rafah brigade.

Expert Analysis

“Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza continue to attempt to show they can threaten Israeli border communities using rockets. While Gaza-based terror groups have seen their arsenals depleted over eight months of fighting, they continue to possess short-range rockets. Hamas hopes to terrorize Israeli border communities so that Israeli families will not return to the border. Defeating the terrorists and their rockets is key to foiling this plan.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“Despite the Israeli military’s significant dismantling of most launch sites in the Gaza Strip, Hamas and its allies continue to fire rockets into Israeli communities and cities near the border. Terrorist groups have been able to adapt by fabricating makeshift launch platforms from everyday items, enabling them to persist in their rocket attacks.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

Hamas Weapons Developer Eliminated in Gaza

Israeli forces eliminated Hamas weapons developer Muhammad Salah in an airstrike, the IDF said on June 24. “According to the military, Salah was an operative in Hamas’s Weapons Manufacturing Headquarters and oversaw projects and development for the terror organization,” The Jerusalem Post reported. He was part of Hamas’s attempt to develop “strategic weaponry,” the IDF said.

In addition, the IDF uncovered rocket launchers and other weapons used by terrorists in the Tel Sultan neighborhood near Rafah. The IDF said it was also continuing “operational activity” in central Gaza. “Troops identified several terrorists who were operating in the area and eliminated them in a drone strike,” the IDF noted.

Related Analysis

“Top Hamas Terror Commander Eliminated in Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

“IDF Dismantles Half of Hamas Terrorist Force in Rafah,” FDD Flash Brief

“Eight IDF Troops Killed by Hamas Attack in Rafah,” FDD Flash Brief