Hamas Claims Responsibility for Rocket Attacks on Jerusalem After Israel Bombs Gaza

Air raid sirens wailed over Jerusalem and other cities and towns as Hamas terrorists defied intense Israeli bombardment of Gaza, sending scores of rockets over the border on the third day of a major war between Israel and the militant Islamist movement. 

Hamas’s military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, said on Telegram that it had targeted Jerusalem, Ashkelon, and Sderot “in response to the bombing of civilian homes” in Gaza. 

The group said 90 rockets rained down on Sderot alone on Monday. Apartment buildings and cars in Ashkelon were left damaged and burning following what Hamas said was a barrage of 80 rockets, and the Israeli West Bank settlement of Beitar Illit, south of Jerusalem was also struck, officials said. 

Israelis packed into bomb shelters across the country. In Jerusalem, the staff of the Jerusalem Post newspaper moved its operations underground as explosions were heard in the city. There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage in the capital.

Hamas posted promotional videos of its forces firing rockets from remote-controlled launchers, as Israeli aircraft pounded Gaza, killing an estimated 500 people. 

An estimated 800 Israelis were killed over the weekend during an unprecedented Hamas surprise attack on Israel. 

On Monday, Israel’s defense minister declared a “complete siege” on Gaza’s 3.2 million people. “There is no electricity, there is no food, there is no water, there is no fuel,” Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said.