Sun Apr 06 21:36:00 UTC 2025: ## Hamas Rockets Target Southern Israel After Gaza Civilian Deaths
**JERUSALEM/CAIRO –** Renewed violence erupted in the Israel-Palestine conflict on Sunday, April 6th, 2025, as Hamas launched a rocket barrage into southern Israel. The attack followed reported Israeli massacres of civilians in Gaza, escalating tensions that had seemingly subsided following a January ceasefire.
According to Hamas, the rocket fire was in direct retaliation for the Israeli actions. Israeli authorities confirmed the interception of most of the approximately 10 rockets launched, but reported at least one direct hit in Ashkelon, resulting in one person sustaining shrapnel injuries. Videos circulated online showed damage to property in the affected area.
The Israeli military responded by issuing an evacuation order for several districts in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza, warning residents of an imminent attack. Gaza’s health authorities reported at least 39 Palestinian deaths from Israeli strikes on the same day.
The escalation marks a significant setback to the January 19th ceasefire, which ended 15 months of conflict. While the initial agreement involved a halt to fighting and prisoner exchanges, Israel resumed ground operations in March, claiming a stalemate in ceasefire negotiations. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian officials, since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel, which killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. The situation remains highly volatile and raises serious concerns about a renewed escalation of the conflict.
First Piper 