Gaza ceasefire appears to hold after shaky start, as days-long flareup winds down

Gaza-area regional council won’t resume education activities, despite truce

The Sdot Negev Regional Council announces that after a security assessment and despite a ceasefire taking effect, communities in the Gaza-area region won’t resume educational activities tomorrow.

This means there won’t be shuttles to special education institutions, daycares won’t be opened, and summer camp activities won’t be held.

PA leader Abbas welcomes ceasefire between Israel and Islamic Jihad

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addresses a rare meeting of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s Central Council, on February 6, 2021. (WAFA)

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas praises the ceasefire reached between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group, ending more than three days of fighting.

“We welcome the Egyptian efforts that led to the halting of the occupation’s aggression in Gaza,” Abbas says.

Gazans chant for martyrs, revenge after ceasefire

In Israel, pundits are calling the last round of fighting among the most successful Israel has ever managed, with few injuries and little damage on its side, and almost nothing given up in exchange for the ceasefire.

In Gaza, video shows a small group of young men parading after the ceasefire, praising the slain leaders of Islamic Jihad as martyrs.

The young men also chant an antisemitic slogan in Arabic which recalls an early Muslim massacre of the Jewish town Khaybar, in modern day Saudi Arabia, in 629, and warns that “the army of Mohammad is returning.”

بعد دخول وقف إطلاق النار حيز التنفيذ.. فلسطينيون بمخيم جباليا يهتفون للشهداء الذين قضوا خلال العدوان الإسرائيلي على قطاع #غزة #فيديو #الجزيرة pic.twitter.com/YoIeTTt3QO

— الجزيرة فلسطين (@AJA_Palestine) August 7, 2022

IDF keeps safety restrictions on Gaza-area residents in place, for now

Despite the ceasefire between Israel and Gaza appearing to hold for the first hour, the IDF says it is keeping special safety instructions in place for now for residents of areas near the Gaza Strip.

That means educational facilities in towns near the Gaza Strip will remain closed, gatherings will be largely banned and residents will still need to remain close to bomb shelters.

Slightly looser restrictions are in place for the rest of the northern Negev and part of the Lachish region.

Officially, the restrictions are valid until 6 p.m. Monday, but the army says it will reassess in the morning.

Soldiers raid Palestinian village to raze alleged Elad terrorists’ homes

Israeli soldiers carry out a raid in the town of Rummanah in the West Bank on May 8, 2022, at the home of a Palestinian accused of carrying out a fatal axe attack in the central city of Elad two days earlier. (JAAFAR ASHTIYEH / AFP)

Out of the frying pan, and into the fire: With a ceasefire with Gaza based Islamic Jihad less than an hour old, the Israel Defense Forces announces that has sent soldiers into a Palestinian village to destroy the homes of two terrorists accused of carrying out a deadly terror attack in May.

Soldiers are operating in Rumannah, near Jenin, to raze the homes of As’ad al-Rifa’i, 19, and Subhi Emad Sbeihat, 20.

The two allegedly hacked and stabbed three people to death and severely wounded several others during an attack in the central city of Elad at the closing of Independence Day in May.

According to Israel, Al-Rifa’i confessed to security forces that he committed the axe attack with Sbeihat, killing Oren Ben Yiftah, a 35-year-old driver from Lod, and Elad residents Yonatan Havakuk and Boaz Gol, both in their 40s.

The Israel Defense Forces mapped out both Rummanah homes shortly after the men were arrested, days after the attack. Their families had been given time to appeal the razings.

A Palestinian demonstrator kicks a burning tire as protesters block the main street near the Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, to protest against the Israeli air strikes in Gaza on August 7, 2022. (JAAFAR ASHTIYEH / AFP)

The operation comes with tensions in the West Bank already heightened due to the violence in Gaza. The three-day flareup was touched off after Israel arrested a senior Islamic Jihad terrorist in the West Bank, sparking Israeli fears of a revenge attack and the eventual tit-for-tat battle.

UN envoy backs ceasefire, will visit Islamic Jihad prisoners

The UN envoy charged with reaching peace in the Middle East says the world body has been “intensively engaged” in helping Israel and Islamic Jihad reach an Egypt-brokered ceasefire.

As part of the ceasefire negotiations, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland agreed that a UN team will visit both PIJ prisoners Bassam al-Saadi and the hunger striking Khalil al-Awawda, a senior Middle East diplomat tells The Times of Israel

“We underscore our commitment to do all we can towards ending the ongoing escalation, ensuring the safety and security of the civilian population, and following-up on the Palestinian prisoners file,” Wennesland says in a statement. “I will continue to work with all relevant parties to de-escalate the situation urgently.”

Lapid wraps up meet with security chiefs on Gaza op

Prime Minister Yair Lapid, center, with other officials at a situational assessment at Defense Ministry HQ in Tel Aviv late on August 7, 2022. (Haim Zach/ GPO)

Prime Minister Yair Lapid has wrapped up a meeting at Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv with defense brass and other top officials on Operation Breaking Dawn, his office says.

Lapid was given an overview of the operation over the last 24 hours and assessments of the defense and civilian picture over the next few days.

The meeting is attended by alternate PM Naftali Bennett, Defense Minister Benny Gantz, IDF Chief Aviv Kohavi and others.

Rocket fire continues after ceasefire

Rocket sirens continue to ring in Israeli towns close to the border with the Gaza Strip, 20 minutes after a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad was to take effect.

According to initial reports, one projectile is intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system over the town of Mivtahim.

There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries in the attacks.

Rocket alarms blare moments after ceasefire starts

Rocket sirens continue to ring in Israeli towns close to the border with the Gaza Strip, eight minutes after a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad was to take effect.

According to initial reports, one projectile is intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system over Sderot.

There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries in the attacks.

Ceasefire goes into effect after three days of fighting

A ceasefire has officially begun, as the clock hits 11:30 p.m.

The next few hours will be key in knowing whether the ceasefire can hold and end the round of fighting after three days.

The last moments ahead of the ceasefire saw heavy rocket barrages and Israeli strikes on Gaza, but so far those have halted.

Iron Dome said to intercept several rockets

Rocket sirens continue to ring in southern Israeli towns, with less than 10 minutes left until a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad is set to begin.

Eyewitnesses say they saw numerous interceptions by the Iron Dome air defense system in the area.

There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries in the attacks.

IDF says it hit rocket launchers, production facility

The Israeli military says it struck a Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket launcher earlier this evening.

According to the Israel Defense Forces, the rocket launching site was hit by a drone strike.

The IDF adds that earlier today it hit a PIJ anti-aircraft missile launching position, and a rocket production site in the Gaza Strip.

צה"ל תקף הלילה משגר רקטות של ארגון הטרור גא"פ; במהלך היום הותקפו אתר לייצור רקטות ועמדת שיגור נ"ט של הארגון.

כלי טיס מאויש מרחוק (כטמ"ם) תקף הלילה משגר רקטות של ארגון הטרור גא"פ ברצועת עזה >> pic.twitter.com/jTTKj3GkIi

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) August 7, 2022

Israel’s Channel 12 news reports that Israel is now striking a large base in Gaza, citing Palestinian reports on the ground.

IDF strikes Gaza after pre-ceasefire rocket attacks

The Israel Defense Forces says it is striking targets in the Gaza Strip, without elaborating further.

In Gaza, unconfirmed reports reports on social media indicate heavy strikes in Kahn Younis and Gaza City.

Rocket barrage fired at Beersheba in waning moments before ceasefire

Sirens ring out in Beersheba and several explosions are heard by residents.

According to initial reports, several projectiles are intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system.

There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Rocket sirens ring out near Gaza border

With less than half an hour before a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad is set to take effect, fresh rocket sirens sound in several towns close to the border with the Gaza Strip.

There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage in the latest attack.

The Sdot Negev Regional Council instructs residents to remain inside reinforced rooms or bomb shelters until further notice, given fear of further attacks.

The PIJ in a statement says it takes responsibility for the recent attacks on the south.

Israel officially confirms ceasefire in apparent first, thanks Egypt

In an official statement, Israel confirms it will halt fighting with the Islamic Jihad terror group in Gaza at 11:30 p.m. local time, but threatens that it will strike back “forcefully” should the ceasefire be broken.

The statement from the head of the Public Diplomacy Directorate, which is run out of Prime Minister Yair Lapid’s office, marks a sea change for Israel, which has never officially confirmed a ceasefire with Gaza terror groups before. Instead Israel has traditionally leaked confirmation via unnamed sources, to preserve the thin pretense that it did not negotiate with terrorists.

The statement thanks Egypt for its efforts in securing an end to the fighting after four days.

“Should the ceasefire be broken, Israel reserves the right to respond forcefully,” the statement reads. “We will not allow any party to disturb the daily lives of residents of Israel.”

Fresh rocket fire targets Netivot area, missiles reportedly knocked down

Rocket sirens are sounding in the southern city of Netivot and other towns close to the border with the Gaza Strip, as a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad is set to begin in about half an hour.

According to initial reports, at least three projectiles are launched from the Strip, one of which is intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system.

There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage in the latest attack.

Israelis simmer down as countdown to ceasefire begins

Israelis are getting back to normal life, with the weekend conflagration with Gaza seemingly winding down, despite rocket fire continuing and authorities asking people in rocket-prone areas to remain near shelters.

In Rishon Letzion, targeted by rockets earlier in the day, people are out at bars having a night out.

“Everyone knows how to get to a shelter quickly,” Olympic judoka Peter Palchik tells Channel 12 news. “We’ve gotten used to it, it’s sad to say.”

Haaretz reporter Josh Breiner tweets out a picture of opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu taking in a movie in Herzliya with his wife, Sara. Breiner notes that the former prime minister, who just got his first security briefing earlier in the day, seems more interested in his phone than Brad Pitt vehicle “Bullet Train.”

ברייקינג ופאפרצי איכותי מהסינמה סיטי בהרצליה: בזמן שסופרים את הדקות לקראת הפסקת האש על הדרום, בני הזוג נתניהו צופים כעת בסרט "רכבת הקליע". אומרים לי האומרים שנתניהו פחות מתעניין בבראד פיט על המסך ויותר בפלאפון. אפשר להבין. pic.twitter.com/IcCOlkq3gS

— Josh Breiner (@JoshBreiner) August 7, 2022

In Gaza as well, residents are being warned to beware an Israeli strike that may come in the waning hours of the day before the ceasefire goes into effect. Such periods are liable to see increased fighting, as each side attempts to get its final shots in.

Rockets intercepted above Israeli towns near Gaza

Rocket sirens have sounded in several towns close to the border with the Gaza Strip, with about an hour to go before a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad is set to begin at 11:30 p.m.

According to initial reports, at least three projectiles are intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system over Nirim and Ein HaShlosha.

There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage in the latest attacks.

47 taken to hospitals during flare-up, most hurt while running for shelter

The Magen David Adom ambulance service says it has evacuated 47 people to hospitals since the beginning of fighting between the Israeli military and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group on Friday.

MDA says medics treated and took to hospitals three people who were lightly hurt by rocket shrapnel and 31 who fell while running to shelter.

Another 13 people were treated for anxiety, and were taken to hospitals, including an unconscious 74-year-old woman, who was taken to the Assuta Medical Center in Ashdod.

Several other people were treated after falling over and for anxiety, but did not require hospitalization, MDA says.

Senior diplomat confirms ceasefire, Egypt working to free PIJ prisoners

Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have agreed to an Egyptian-mediated ceasefire that will go into place at 11:30 p.m., a senior Middle East diplomat confirms to The Times of Israel.

As part of the ceasefire, Egypt has agreed to work to ensure the release of Khalil al-Awawda, an Islamic Jihad member who is hunger-striking in protest of his detention by Israel without any charges, the diplomat says, criticizing the Israeli policy of administrative detentions.

The diplomat says that Egypt will also work to release Islamic Jihad West Bank leader Bassam al-Saadi, who was arrested last week in what is believed to have helped spark the latest round of violence. The diplomat indicates that his immediate release will be more difficult to achieve, though it is also not clear what al-Saadi is being charged with.

The diplomat criticizes the Israeli policy of administrative detention, which allows it to hold suspects practically indefinitely without charge.

The Shin Bet says that in recent months, Saadi “worked even harder to restore PIJ activities, and was behind the creation of a significant military force for the organization in [the northern West Bank] in general and in Jenin in particular.”

“His presence was a significant factor in the radicalization of the organization’s operatives in the field,” the Shin Bet says.

Israeli sources confirm ceasefire with Islamic Jihad to begin at 11:30

Israeli sources confirm to Hebrew media outlets that a ceasefire has been reached with Palestinian Islamic Jihad that will take effect at 23:30 p.m.

There has been no official Israeli confirmation of the deal.

Fresh rocket sirens sound in towns near Gaza; residents urged to stay near shelters

Fresh rocket sirens sound in towns close to the border with the Gaza Strip.

According to initial reports, three projectiles are intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system.

There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage in the latest attack.

The military’s Home Front Command issues a statement saying that residents of towns close to the border must remain near bomb shelters, given fears of further attacks.

Islamic Jihad confirms ceasefire deal with Israel; truce expected to begin at 11:30 p.m.

Islamic Jihad terrorists in Gaza say they have agreed to a Cairo-brokered ceasefire to end three days of intense conflict with Israel.

“A short while ago, the wording of the Egyptian truce agreement was reached, which contains Egypt’s commitment to work towards the release of two prisoners, (Bassem) al-Saadi and (Khalil) Awawdeh,” senior Islamic Jihad member Mohammad al-Hindi says in a statement.

Saadi, Islamic Jihad’s leader in the West Bank, was recently arrested in Jenin, while Awawdeh is also in Israeli custody.

The ceasefire is expected to begin at 11:30 p.m. There is no Israeli confirmation of the deal.

Meanwhile, authorities in the Hamas-run enclave report at least 41 Palestinians have been killed since the start of fighting last week.

Shaked says Gaza ceasefire should be imminent

Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked attends a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem, June 12, 2022. (Yonatan Sindel/ Flash90)

Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked says that a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza should be imminent.

“We are hoping that it will happen any minute, but you have to be careful,” she tells the Kan public broadcaster. “It’s supposed to happen imminently, but until it happens it hasn’t happened.”

Shaked says her most recent updates came from a cabinet secretary about a half hour earlier. She adds that such a deal is not expected to include meeting any demands from Palestinian Islamic Jihad, but merely for both sides to cease firing.

Lapid to meet with top security officials as ceasefire deal delayed

Prime Minister Yair Lapid will hold a “brief situational assessment” at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv with top security officials at 9:45 p.m., his office says, given delays in a reported Egyptian-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Joining Lapid in the meeting are Defense Minister Benny Gantz and the chiefs of the IDF, Shin Bet, Mossad, and National Security Council, among others.

IDF: 935 mortars, rockets fired at Israel from Gaza since start of fighting

The latest Israel Defense Forces data put the number of rockets and mortars launched toward Israel by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group since Friday at 935.

Of them, 160 fell short, in the Gaza Strip, according to the latest data, which is as of 7:00 p.m.

The Iron Dome air defense system has intercepted some 300 projectiles, according to the data.

The military says the Iron Dome missile defense system has demonstrated a 96 percent success rate at intercepting projectiles fired toward populated areas.

IDF: Strike on senior PIJ commander was delayed several times because of kids in area

The Israel Defense Forces says it delayed Saturday night’s deadly strike on senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander Khaled Mansour several times after identifying kids in the area.

“Later, when the kids were no longer in the area, the attack was successfully carried out,” the military says in a statement.

The IDF releases a video in which officers can be heard identifying kids playing around the house where Mansour was staying.

“I see kids running in the trees over there,” a pilot can be heard saying.

According to the military, the strike was delayed two more times, due to the presence of children, footage of which is included in the video.

דובר צה״ל מפרסם כעת את סרטי וקולות הקשר מהתקיפה המוצלחת ומניעת פגיעה בילדים בלתי מעורבים >> pic.twitter.com/SJttOsTfGC

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) August 7, 2022

Rocket strikes Ashkelon building; Palestinian worker hurt, treated by MDA

Magen David Adom says medics treated a Palestinian worker who was lightly-to-moderately hurt by shrapnel during rocket fire on the southern coastal city of Ashkelon.

The Palestinian, a resident of Hebron, who MDA says is 35, was taken to a local hospital. The ambulance service says the shrapnel was likely from glass.

The hospital later lists the man as being only lightly hurt.

According to the Ashkelon municipality, the man was injured while in a building in the city’s industrial area that was struck during a volley fired by Palestinian terrorists in Gaza.

Airports authority says no rocket intercepted over Ben Gurion; flights reportedly held positions

Flights inbound to Israel reportedly held their positions as rocket sirens sounded in Tel Aviv.

The Israel Airports Authority says Ben Gurion Airport is functioning as usual, and no rockets were intercepted over the area.

Holding flights is standard procedure during rocket attacks on the Tel Aviv area.

Flights inbound TLV were holding over the Med as three Gaza rockets were intercepted near Ben Gurion airport

Live updates here, as ceasefire was supposed to go into effecthttps://t.co/JMk0iRoGMo pic.twitter.com/WcFZ2pebFs

— avi scharf (@avischarf) August 7, 2022

Rocket sirens sound in Gaza border towns as ceasefire said held up until midnight

Fresh rocket warning sirens sound in several communities near the Gaza border, as Channel 12 news quotes Israeli sources saying an expected ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad will not begin until after midnight.

Report: Gaza truce announcement held up by Islamic Jihad demands for Egyptian guarantees

The announcement of an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad is being held up by the terror group’s demands for guarantees from Egypt on prisoners and ending Israeli strikes in Gaza, Al Jazeera reports, quoting unidentified sources.

Noting ceasefire reports, Homefront Command warns Israelis, ‘It’s not over until it’s over’

Acknowledging reports of possibly imminent ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Home Front Command tells Israelis, “It’s not over until it’s over,” and urges them to remain near protected areas.

“The last rocket can cause damage just like the first rocket,” it says.

Rocket barrage at central Israel; two rockets intercepted over Tel Aviv

Minutes before a ceasefire is supposed to come into effect, a barrage of rockets is fired at central Israel.

According to Channel 12 news, two rockets are intercepted above Tel Aviv.

The same TV station also reports a rocket intercepted above Ben Gurion Airport, but the airports authority says this is incorrect. It also says the airport is functioning as usual

The Magen David Adom ambulance service says it has not received any reports of direct injuries from the barrage, one of the heaviest since the conflict erupted on Friday.

MDA says it treated several people who were lightly hurt while running to protected areas, as well as a number of people suffering from shock.

Reports say three to five Palestinians killed in Jabaliya; Israeli assessment: Another failed PIJ rocket launch

Several people have been killed in Jabaliya in northern Gaza, according to Palestinian media reports.

The Palestinian reports put the number of fatalities at five, including children, and claim they were caused by an Israeli air strike.

Israel’s Channel 12, however, says the number of fatalities is three to five, and cites an assessment in the Israeli defense establishment that “it is very likely” that the deaths were caused by a failed rocket launch.

A still from a video clip showing what Israeli TV says is a rocket fired from Gaza falling back to ground in Jabaliya after a failed launch, August 7, 2022 (Channel 12 screenshot; used in accordance with clause 27a of the copyright law)

Channel 12 screens a video clip that it says shows the rocket falling and then exploding.

A still from a video clip showing what Israeli TV says is a rocket fired from Gaza falling back to ground and exploding in Jabaliya after a failed launch, August 7, 2022 (Channel 12 screenshot; used in accordance with clause 27a of the copyright law)

The reports come ahead of the expected start of an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire deal at 8 p.m, and as Palestinian Islamic Jihad continues to fire rockets toward Israeli communities.

Israeli region near Gaza orders residents indoors until further notice

The Eshkol Regional Council near the border with the Gaza Strip orders all residents to remain in shelters until further notice.

The message comes amid heavy rocket fire toward southern and central Israel.

Rocket warning sirens sound in Tel Aviv, central Israeli cities ahead of reported ceasefire

Rocket warning sirens sound in Tel Aviv and other large cities throughout central Israel, shortly before a reported ceasefire between Israel and the Gaza-based Palestinian Islamic Jihad is expected to begin.

Man in southern community lightly hurt by shrapnel from Gaza rocket

A man in the southern Sdot Hanegev Regional Council has been lightly hurt by shrapnel from a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, police say.

According to police, the man — who required medical attention — lived at a residence for foreign workers, where the rocket struck a courtyard.

Police sappers are on the scene.

Iron Dome intercepts several rockets in volley fired at Sderot, Ashkelon and other border towns

Rocket warning sirens are sounding simultaneously in the southern cities of Sderot and Ashkelon, and other towns close to the border with the Gaza Strip.

Initial reports say that at least six projectiles are intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system over the areas.

There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Interceptions over Sderot (Pic: Aviad Cohem,חמ"ל דרום) pic.twitter.com/V25O9CwyB7

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) August 7, 2022

Rockets fired at Sderot, other towns near Gaza; interception reported

Rocket warning sirens are activated in the southern city of Sderot and other towns close to the border with the Gaza Strip.

Initial reports say at least one projectile is intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system.

There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries in the latest rocket attack.

Lapid tells southern mayors Israel achieved goals in Gaza, no benefit in continuing

Prime Minister Yair Lapid meets with southern municipal leaders in Sderot, August 7, 2022, during the fighting in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. (Haim Zach/GPO)

Prime Minister Yair Lapid told southern municipal leaders that Israel has achieved its goals in the three days of fighting in Gaza against Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and that there was no benefit to continuing Operation Breaking Dawn, according to Hebrew media reports.

Israeli strike reported in Gaza City’s Shejaiya

Palestinian media is reporting an Israeli airstrike in the Shejaiya neighborhood of Gaza City.

Images shared online show smoke rising from the area.

Earlier, the Israel Defense Forces said it was striking Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket launching positions across the Gaza Strip.

مصادر صحفية: طائرات الاحتلال الحربية تغير على هدف في محيط مسجد طارق بن زياد شرق حي الشجاعية شرقي غزة pic.twitter.com/NFCN0HMR1M

— فلسطين الآن (@paltimes2015) August 7, 2022

Rocket sirens blare in Gaza border communities

Rocket warning sirens are heard in a number of Israeli communities near the Gaza border, hours before a reported Egyptian-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad is expected to come into force.

IDF reports 11 Islamic Jihad rocket launch sites struck since last night

The Israel Defense Forces says it has struck 11 Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket launching positions across the Gaza Strip.

According to the IDF, combat helicopters and fighter jets struck two launch sites earlier today, and another nine overnight.

The IDF releases a video of the last two strikes and says it’s continuing to attack PIJ targets now.

IDF says it struck 11 PIJ rocket launching positions in Gaza pic.twitter.com/OBxwK1XqfS

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) August 7, 2022

Nature protection society offers discounted accommodations to residents of Gaza border towns

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel offers a 20 percent discount on accommodation at its field schools for residents of communities near the Gaza border who want to get away from the current rocket attacks from the Strip.

Those interested should call 03-6388688 or visit this link.

Defense Ministry says mortars fired from Gaza struck Erez border crossing

Damage is caused to the roof of the Erez Crossing near the border with the Gaza Strip, August 7, 2022. (Defense Ministry)

The Defense Ministry says three mortars launched from the Gaza Strip hit the Erez Crossing between Israel and the coastal enclave.

According to the ministry, the terminal roof was damaged as a result of a fire, and shrapnel fell into the entrance hall.

The crossing is usually used by thousands of Palestinians to enter Israel each day for work.

However, it was shuttered last week amid the threat of a Palestinian Islamic Jihad attack on the border, and has remained closed amid the fighting.

3 mortar bombs fired from the Gaza Strip hit the "Erez" Crossing. The terminal roof was damaged as a result of the fire, and shrapnel damaged the entrance hall, an area that is used to facilitate the daily passage of thousands of Gazans that work in Israel. pic.twitter.com/AJaqSub5Z4

— Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) August 7, 2022

Rocket fired at Sderot; Iron Dome interceptions reported

Rocket warning sirens are activated in the southern city of Sderot, close to the border with the Gaza Strip.

Initial reports say several projectiles are intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system.

There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries in the latest rocket attack.

Islamic Jihad says ceasefire talks ‘underway at the highest levels’

Palestinian Islamic Jihad reports that talks toward a ceasefire are underway, after an Egyptian source told AFP that Israel had agreed to a ceasefire proposal to end the current fighting in Gaza.

A source from the terror group tells the French news agency that “discussions are underway at the highest levels towards calm,” but warns that “the resistance will not stop if the occupation’s (Israel’s) aggression and crimes do not stop.”

Lapid meets with top military officials at IDF’s Southern Command, visits Sderot

Prime Minister Yair Lapid (L) and Defense Minister Benny Gantz (2nd-L) tour the IDF's Southern Command on August 7, 2022, amid fighting in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group. (Haim Zach/GPO)

Prime Minister Yair Lapid tours the military’s Southern Command and the Gaza border area, where he meets with top military officials on the fighting against the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group.

The Prime Minister’s Office announces the visit, which was kept under security wraps, amid reports that an Egyptian-mediated ceasefire will go into effect later this evening.

Along with the security assessment held at Southern Command headquarters with Defense Minister Benny Gantz, IDF chief Avi Kohavi and other officials, the premier’s office says Lapid visited Sderot, where he met with the rocket-hit city’s mayor and leaders of other nearby municipalities.

Rockets fired at Ashkelon, Gaza border area; Iron Dome intercepts several projectiles

Rocket warning sirens are activated in the southern coastal city of Ashkelon and a number of communities near the Gaza border.

Video footage shows several projectiles intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system over the area.

There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries in the latest barrage from the Gaza Strip.

Interceptions over Ashkelon moments ago. pic.twitter.com/JZaRZhGkPB

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) August 7, 2022

Hamas military wing says member killed in IDF strike, a first in fighting between Israel and PIJ

The military wing of Hamas says a member has been killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip, marking the first official death from the terror group amid fighting between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Hamas says Muhammad Afana from the Jabaliya refugee camp was killed amid the “continuous Zionist aggression” in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has said two deadly blasts in Jabaliya earlier today and last night were caused by misfired PIJ rockets. It is not clear if Afana was killed in one of those incidents.

The Israel Defense Forces has stressed it is only interested in targeting PIJ operatives and sites across the Gaza Strip, not Hamas.

IDF: Islamic Jihad has fired 780 rockets, mortars since Gaza fighting began; 180 fell short

Rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, in Gaza City, August 7, 2022. (AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)

The latest Israel Defense Forces data puts the number of rockets and mortars launched toward Israel by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group since Friday at 780.

Of them, 180 fell short in the Gaza Strip, according to the latest data, which is as of 4:15 p.m.

The Iron Dome air defense system has intercepted some 270 projectiles, according to the data.

The military says the Iron Dome missile defense system has demonstrated a near-97 percent success rate at intercepting projectiles fired toward populated areas.

Israel agrees to Egypt-brokered deal to end Gaza fighting — source

CAIRO — Israel has agreed to a truce in the Gaza Strip, an Egyptian security source says today.

“The Israeli side has accepted,” the source says, adding that Cairo was waiting for the Palestinian response, as part of Egyptian mediation efforts three days into the fighting in Gaza between Israel and Islamic Jihad.

An Israeli source, however, says the talks are still “advancing.”

“It’s not definite that there will be a ceasefire,” the unnamed official is quoted as saying by the Ynet news site.

Over 2,200 Jews estimated to visit Temple Mount for Tisha B’Av

Jews visit the Temple Mount, Aug. 7, 2022. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Over 2,000 Jews have visited the Temple Mount today for the Tisha B’Av day of mourning, which marks the destruction of the two Jewish temples on the holy site, according to an organization that advocates for Jewish prayer on the esplanade.

Beyadenu, an umbrella group of Temple Mount activists, says roughly 2,200 Jews ascended the mount throughout the day, one of the largest numbers of visitors in a single day ever.

The current record for most Jewish visitors is a single day is 2,600, set in May. Last year, 1,600 Jews visited the Temple Mount on Tisha B’Av, the organization says.

A handful of Jewish visitors were detained by police for violating the rules of the site by publicly praying, which non-Muslims are banned from doing on the Temple Mount. A small number of Muslim visitors were also detained for arguing and clashing with Jewish pilgrims, police say.

Smotrich urges government to continue Gaza operation: ‘Time for the enemy to be crushed’

Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich at a Channel 13 news conference in Jerusalem on July 26, 2022. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Religious Zionism leader MK Bezalel Smotrich urges the government to continue the operation against Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, after the terror group fired barrages of rockets toward central and southern Israel throughout the day.

“I call on the political echelon not to stop and not to slow down – the time has come to reverse the equation,” Smotrich says in a statement.

His statement comes amid reports that Egyptian mediators will shortly announce a ceasefire to come into effect this evening.

In remarks directed at Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, Smotrich says that “it is time for the enemy to be crushed,” encouraging the two to continue the aerial assault against Islamic Jihad targets in the Gaza Strip.

“[G]ive the order and grind the terrorist organizations to the ground,” Smotrich says.

Smotrich’s party has been in the opposition over the past year, during which he relentlessly attacked the government led by Lapid and former prime minister Naftali Bennett for being weak on security. However, military threats have a way of uniting Jewish Israeli politicians around a nationalist banner, with Smotrich saying the response to terror must transcend political lines.

“Any overwhelming response to terrorism will have our absolute backing. Victory over the enemy and the defeat of terrorism doesn’t have an opposition or a coalition,” he says.

In mild statement, Morocco calls for ‘restoring calm’ in Gaza

Morocco issues a noticeably mild statement calling for an end to the fighting in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

“Morocco… calls for avoiding further escalation and restoring calm so that the situation does not degenerate, thus sparing the region from further tensions that jeopardize the chances for peace,” the kingdom’s foreign ministry says.

Rabat, which reestablished diplomatic ties with Jerusalem in 2020, also declares its “constant positions supporting the rights of the Palestinian people” while stressing that “the lasting solution to the conflict between the two parties” is the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Egypt said expected to soon announce ceasefire that will begin this evening

Egypt is expected to announce soon that a ceasefire between Israel and the Gaza-based Palestinian Islamic Jihad will go into effect at 8 p.m., according to an Al Jazeera report quoting unnamed sources.

Neither Israel nor Islamic Jihad has publicly stated they’ve agreed to a ceasefire. An earlier Reuters report said Jerusalem backed a ceasefire proposal from Cairo, but the Palestinians have yet to respond.

Gaza rocket fire causes damage in border towns, loss of power

A rocket landed near a home in a town in the Eshkol Regional Council, causing damage, local authorities say.

The council adds that there are power outages in some towns due to a rocket hitting electrical lines in the area.

Shrapnel from Iron Dome interceptions has also damaged several homes.

In all cases there have been no injuries, the council says.

Israel said to back Egyptian-mediated proposal to end Gaza fighting

An Egyptian source tells Reuters that Israel has agreed to a proposed ceasefire in Gaza with Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which Cairo has asked begin at 10 p.m. local time.

Egypt is still awaiting for the Palestinian response to the proposal, according to the report.

Fire sparked in field near southern city after Gaza rocket fire

A fire is seen in an open area near the southern city of Netivot, apparently due to a rocket attack.

According to initial reports, a rocket launched in the last barrage from the Gaza Strip landed near Netivot’s train station.

There are no reports of injuries in the incident.

A rocket apparently landed in an open area near Netivot, causing a fire. pic.twitter.com/J8Ycu7YSK7

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) August 7, 2022

IDF strikes Islamic Jihad mortar launcher posts

The Israel Defense Forces says it struck two Palestinian Islamic Jihad mortar launching positions in the Gaza Strip.

The IDF releases a video of the strikes.

IDF says it struck two PIJ mortar launching positions in the Gaza Strip pic.twitter.com/vjheryK9gs

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) August 7, 2022

Rocket fired at Beersheba, and across southern and central Israel

Illustrative: An Iron Dome air defense system intercepts a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, in the southern coastal city of Ashkelon, amid fighting between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. August 7, 2022. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Rocket sirens are sounding across southern and central Israel, including Rishon Lezion.

For the first time in this round of fighting, sirens are sounding in Beersheba.

Several interceptions by the Iron Dome air defense system are seen in the south. Beersheba Mayor Ruvik Danilovich says two rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. Channel 12 updates that one was intercepted and the second fell on open ground.

There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Palestinian Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for the major rocket barrage on southern and central Israel.

PIJ says it comes in response to the death of Khaled Mansour, the terror group’s leader in southern Gaza, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike last night.

Yesh Atid MK suggests Netanyahu has ‘mental problems,’ apologizes

Ram Ben-Barak leads a Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem, July 5, 2021. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Yesh Atid MK Ram Ben Barak apologizes for suggesting that opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu has mental problems.

Ben Barak made the remark during a radio interview in which he was asked about the security briefing Netanyahu received today from Prime Minister Yair Lapid, the first time the former premier has attended such a meeting since leaving office a year ago.

“I was really happy to see that Prime Minister Lapid was sitting on the right side of the table, and opposition leader Netanyahu on the other side, that really calmed me,” Ben Barak said. “[Netanyahu] is the guy who did not give backing to his ministers, he doesn’t give credit to anyone, it’s all ‘me, me, me.’ It’s hard for him in these situations. We understand that he has mental problems of some sort or another.”

Ben Barak, who heads the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, issues an apology after the comment is shared widely, saying the remark was “out of place and for that I apologize.”

Residents of some Gaza border towns told to shelter amid signs of coming rocket fire

Due to indications of imminent rocket fire from the Gaza Strip, the Eshkol Regional Council instructs residents of some towns to remain in shelters until further notice.

The towns affected by this order are in the Tzohar Bloc and Hevel Shalom area, near the tri-border with Gaza and Egypt.

Rocket sirens sound in Ashkelon, communities close to Gaza border

Rocket warning sirens are activated in the southern coastal city of Ashkelon and a number of communities near the Gaza border.

There are reports of several projectiles intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system over the area.

There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries in the latest barrage from the Gaza Strip.

IDF video shows strike on PIJ rocket launch site in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces releases a video of its strike on a Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket launching site in the Gaza Strip.

The IDF says the site was used to launch rocket attacks at Israel this morning.

The military said earlier it was striking several more PIJ rocket launching positions across the Gaza Strip.

IDF publishes a video of PIJ rocket launching sites it struck in the Gaza Strip pic.twitter.com/hn5VnXM87a

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) August 7, 2022

Security inmate suspected of raping former soldier several times

Gilboa Prison, February 28, 2013. (Moshe Shai/Flash90/File)

A Palestinian security prisoner is suspected of having raped a guard at Gilboa prison on at least three different occasions in 2016, Hebrew media reports say after a court allows further details of the case to be publicized.

The unnamed guard, an IDF soldier, alleged last month that she was repeatedly raped by the prisoner, an accusation that has roiled the Israel Prions Service and has been followed by further claims of sexual assault against former soldiers.

The name of the prisoner remains under gag order.

Hamas authorities: 31 Palestinians killed, 265 hurt in Gaza since start of fighting

Rescuers walk in the rubble of a building following Israeli airstrikes in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on August 7, 2022, amid fighting between the Israel Defense Forces and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group. (Said Khatib/AFP)

The death toll from the latest violence in the Gaza Strip has risen to 31, including six children, Hamas health authorities say.

Israel has denied responsibility for at least nine of the deaths, which it says were caused by Palestinian Islamic Jihad rockets fired at Israel that landed short inside the coastal enclave.

The Hamas-run health ministry says 265 people have been wounded in Gaza since the start of Operation Breaking Dawn on Friday afternoon.

The Gazan officials do not say how many of the total killed were affiliated with terror groups.

The Israel Defense Forces says a number of PIJ operatives are among those killed in the multiple waves of strikes that have been targeting positions and facilities belonging to the terror group in the Gaza Strip.

Terrorists have fired over 580 rockets toward Israel since Friday, according to IDF estimates.

Rocket sirens heard in towns near Gaza; no reports of injuries, damage

Rocket warning sirens are activated in a number of communities close to the border with the Gaza Strip.

There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries in the latest attacks.

PIJ’s military wing: We’ve only used ‘a small part’ of the ‘capabilities’ we prepared

Illustrative: Abu Hamza, spokesman of the Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad terror group, addresses Palestinians and threatens Israel in a video message broadcast on March 29, 2019. (Screenshot: Al-Quds Brigades)

The spokesman for Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s military wing comments on the fighting in Gaza for the first time since Israel launched Operation Breaking Dawn against the terror group on Friday.

“The capabilities we’ve used until now are only a small part of what we prepared,” Abu Hamza of the Al-Quds Brigades says as PIJ continues to fire barrages of rockets toward Israel.

He also calls on Palestinians in the West Bank and Arab Israelis to join the current round of fighting, which the terror group has dubbed “Unity of the Fields.”

Minister suggests Israel open to ceasefire if Islamic Jihad ‘requests a deal’

Intelligence Minister Elazar Stern in the Knesset plenum on October 13, 2021. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Intelligence Minister Elazar Stern says the military operation against Palestinian Islamic Jihad will continue until “we’re sure of continued calm in the south,” but suggests Israel is open to a ceasefire with the Gaza-based terror group.

“Israel has made very significant achievements in the operation,” he says in an interview with Army Radio when asked about an unnamed official telling Hebrew media that Egyptian-mediated ceasefire talks are being held.

“If they continue to fire on us, we’ll continue to respond, but if [Islamic Jihad] requests a deal — we aren’t seeking war,” adds Stern, a member of Prime Minister Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid party.

Rocket sirens activated in Ashkelon, Gaza border towns

Rocket warning sirens are activated in the southern coastal city of Ashkelon and a number of communities near the Gaza border.

Video shows a volley of rockets being fired by terrorists in the Gaza Strip, some of which are intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system.

Footage shows the last rocket barrage from Gaza and Iron Dome interceptions. (Video: Maor Levi, חמ"ל דרום) pic.twitter.com/bwpL5WFbU6

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) August 7, 2022

There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Rocket sirens blare in multiple communities in Israel’s south

Siren alerts blare in a number of Israeli communities close to the Gaza border.

There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Rocket fire from the Strip has been unrelenting since around 7 a.m. this morning, after a brief overnight lull.

The rocket fire comes shortly after the Israel Defense Forces said it was striking Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket-launching sites in the coastal enclave.

IDF says it is striking Islamic Jihad rocket-launching sites in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces says it is striking Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket launching sites across the Gaza Strip.

The IDF says further details will be provided later.

Multiple rockets fired at Ashkelon, intercepted by Iron Dome

Several rockets launched from the Gaza Strip are intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system over Ashkelon.

The Ashkelon municipality later says no rockets impacted within the coastal city in the last barrage from the Gaza Strip.

Since Friday, 78 rockets have been launched at Ashkelon, in 23 separate barrages, the municipality says.

Interceptions over Ashkelon in last barrage. (Video: חמ"ל דרום) pic.twitter.com/s0oSzdMwdh

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) August 7, 2022

Ministry says offering mental health services for non-Hebrew speakers amid Gaza violence

Missiles from Israel's Iron Dome air defense system, intercept and destroy rockets fired from the Gaza Strip, on the outskirts of the southern city of Ashkelon, on August 7, 2022. (Jack Guez/AFP)

The Israeli government and a non-profit organization set up mental health support call centers for people who don’t speak Hebrew in response to the ongoing fighting between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror groups around the Gaza Strip, the Immigration and Absorption Ministry says.

Under the initiative, mental health services will be offered in English (by calling 04-7702651) , Amharic (04-8258081), Spanish (04-7702649), Russian (04-7702648) and French (04-7702650), the ministry says.

Local governments in southern Israel maintain so-called “resilience centers,” which are meant to provide assistance to residents to emotionally handle the trauma of frequent rocket attacks.

However, these services are often only offered in Hebrew, which can prove difficult to new immigrants who may not speak the language.

To address this, the Immigration and Absorption Ministry decided to open these five additional phone centers, alongside the Community Stress Prevention Center non-profit organization, known in Hebrew as Mashabim.

The ministry says it is also working with the military to ensure that safety instructions are also offered in a variety of languages.

“The Immigration and Absorption Ministry will continue to help with all the means at its disposal so new immigrants in the south and throughout the country can receive the help they need to protect themselves during an emergency.

The ministry is also prepared to evacuate new immigrants for rest and relaxation as needed from the south to other parts of the country,” the ministry says in a statement.

Israel carries out fresh air strikes in northern Gaza — Palestinian reports

An Israeli military AH-64 Apache attack helicopter flies over southern Israel on August 7, 2022. (Jack Guez/AFP)

Palestinian media is reporting a new Israeli airstrike in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip.

An image circulated online shows smoke rising from “agricultural land” — a term used often to refer to rocket launching sites.

There are no immediate reports of injuries.

The Israel Defense Forces says it is targeting Palestinian Islamic Jihad sites across the Gaza Strip, but has not yet confirmed the latest reported strike.

#عاجل| مراسل شهاب: طائرات الاحتلال تقصف أرض زراعية في منطقة العطاطرة ببيت لاهيا شمال قطاع غزة pic.twitter.com/5p6iRzmIuf

— وكالة شهاب للأنباء (@ShehabAgency) August 7, 2022

Israel agrees to Egypt’s humanitarian ceasefire proposal, but Islamic Jihad refuses — report

A fuel truck with a Qatari flag enters the Nusseirat power plant, in the central Gaza Strip, on June 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Israel has agreed to an Egyptian-proposed humanitarian ceasefire, but the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group has refused the offer, unnamed Palestinian sources tell Channel 13 news.

The report says two time slots were proposed for a halt in hostilities — 6 a.m. on Monday morning or 3 a.m. on Tuesday morning. It was unclear why those times were chosen.

Channel 12 news, meanwhile, says an unnamed Israeli official has confirmed “contacts” over a full ceasefire, also being mediated by Egypt.

Israeli sources tell the Walla news site that Israel is concerned that a deterioration in the humanitarian situation in the Strip could lead to Hamas joining the fighting. So far, the terror group which rules Gaza has stayed on the sidelines.

The Channel 13 report says the ceasefire would allow for fuel to enter the coastal enclave for the Strip’s power plant.

The electricity supply in Gaza has dropped from 12 hours to only four hours a day, the report says.

Islamic Jihad was said to have rejected a similar proposal on Saturday, with a source from the terror group telling the Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Mayadeen TV that “now is the time to respond to the crimes of the occupation.”

Sirens blast in communities close to Gaza border

Siren alerts blare in a number of Israeli communities close to the Gaza border.

Residents rush for cover in the towns of Nir Oz and Nahal Oz.

There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Rocket sirens blare in coastal city of Ashkelon

Missiles from Israel's Iron Dome air defense system, intercept and destroy rockets fired from the Gaza Strip, on the outskirts of the southern city of Ashkelon, on August 7, 2022. (Jack Guez/AFP)

Rocket sirens blare in the coastal city of Ashkelon.

It is the second time the city has come under attack within an hour.

There are no immediate reports of injuries in the latest rocket attack.

Several rockets fired at Ashkelon, intercepted by Iron Dome

A battery of Israel's Iron Dome defence missile system in southern Israel, August 7, 2022. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Several rockets launched from the Gaza Strip are intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system over Ashkelon.

There are no immediate reports of injuries in the latest rocket attack.

Multiple interceptions over Ashkelon in latest barrage. (Pics: Aviad Cohen, חמ"ל דרום) pic.twitter.com/Msq7R0B81O

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) August 7, 2022

Netanyahu meets with Lapid for 1st security briefing, gives ‘full backing’ to Gaza operation

Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu has a briefing on the Israel-Gaza conflict with Prime Minister Yair Lapid, August 7, 2022. (Haim Zach/GPO)

For the first time, opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Prime Minister Lapid and his military secretary Avi Gil to receive a security briefing, the Prime Minister’s Office says.

The meeting marks the end of Netanyahu’s year-long boycott of the standard procedure, which is mandated by law, and comes amid an escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip.

“We’re in the midst of fighting. I of course give full backing to the government, to the IDF and the security forces. I also commend the residents of the south for their resilience and urge them to continue to heed the instructions from the Homefront Command. This truly saves lives,” Netanyahu tells reporters at the conclusion of the meeting.

“I received a detailed update [on the IDF operation against Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza]. I listened carefully. I offered some advice based on my own experience… and I think that advice can be very useful for the state of Israel,” he says.

Until today, Netanyahu has refused to comply with the protocol of holding the meetings over the past year, as he regularly railed against the legitimacy of the current coalition government.

Rocket sirens sound in towns near Gaza border

Siren alerts blare in a number of Israeli communities close to the Gaza border.

There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

While there was relative quiet overnight, with very few launches of projectiles, the rocket fire has been relentless since around 7 a.m.

Contestants in ‘Big Brother’ house run for shelter as rockets fired toward Jerusalem

Contestants on Israel's 'Big Brother' asleep just before an air raid siren sounded in the house on August 7, 2022. (Screenshot)

Contestants on Israel’s “Big Brother” were a little less cut off from the outside world earlier this morning when they ran for shelter after incoming rockets triggered air raid sirens.

Sirens sounded in Neve Ilan, on the outskirts of Jerusalem, where the “Big Brother” house is situated, when terrorists in Gaza fired a volley of rockets toward Jerusalem that fell short.

The competitors were instructed to enter the protected room located inside the “Big Brother” house.

The rocket was intercepted by the Iron Dome.

Producers on the show, which airs on Reshet 13, had chosen not to update the contestants on Operation Breaking Dawn, which began Friday afternoon.

In a statement following the sirens, Reshet says it has now informed the competitors about the situation.

Yesterday, Reshet said it was opening access to its 24/7 live feed of the house to everyone in Israel for free in light of the security situation — as a way to provide entertainment for those stuck at home. TV providers Yes, HOT, Cellcom and Partner have also opened up many of their channels for free.

At the time of the siren in Neve Ilan, Reshet cut the live feeds from inside the house and viewers did not see the residents running for shelter.

יירוט כיפת ברזל מעל חדשות 12 ובית האח הגדול בנווה אילן @mako_feed
צילום: איציק אזורה pic.twitter.com/BLUsOE8RRx

— Gil mishali גיל משעלי (@gilmishali) August 7, 2022

Sirens sound in Nir Am near Gaza border

Batteries of Israel's Iron Dome defence missile system, designed to intercept and destroy incoming short-range rockets and artillery shells, are stationed in southern Israel on August 6, 2022. (Jack Guez/AFP)

Rocket sirens sound in the Israeli community of Nir Am near the border with Gaza.

There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

IDF says latest Jabaliya explosion is failed rocket launch

The Israel Defense Forces believes the latest deadly explosion in the northern Gaza Strip is likely a failed rocket launch.

According to an initial probe, the IDF didn’t strike in the Jabaliya refugee camp area recently.

Earlier, Palestinian media reports said at least two people were killed and eight wounded after an explosion at a home in the camp.

According to IDF estimates, 120 rockets fired from Gaza since Friday landed short in the Strip.

#صور | من مكان استهداف الاحتلال لمنزل في معسكر جباليا شمال قطاع غزة. pic.twitter.com/EAJIrfCEN1

— مصدر الإخبارية (@msdrnews1) August 7, 2022

Rocket sirens sound in Gaza border community

Rocket sirens sound in the Israeli community of Nirim near the border with Gaza.

There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

2 killed, 8 wounded in explosion at Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza Strip — Palestinian reports

At least two people are killed and eight others are hurt in a new explosion in the Jabaliya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian media reports.

It is not immediately clear if the explosion was following an Israeli airstrike or a failed rocket launch toward Israel.

Lapid, Gantz say Gaza operation will continue ‘as long as necessary’

Prime Minister Yair Lapid, Defense Minister Benny Gantz and other ministers and officials hold a security consultation on August 5, 2022 at IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv. (Channel 12 screenshot)

Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Benny Gantz release coordinated statements to say that the three-day-long Operation Breaking Dawn will continue as long as required.

“The operation will continue as long as necessary,” Lapid says.

“The IDF, the Shin Bet and security forces will continue to act against Islamic Jihad until we restore peace and remove the threat to children [living in the Gaza border region],” adds Gantz.

Residents of southern Israel have absorbed the brunt of the nearly 500 rockets fired from Gaza since Friday, and many have been in a security lockdown since mid-last week.

The premier and defense minister also comment on the Saturday strike targeting Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s southern Gaza commander.

Khaled Mansour is the second senior Islamic Jihad figure killed since Friday, when Israel opened the campaign with a strike against the organization’s northern Gaza commander, Tayseer Jabari.

Both Lapid and Gantz praise the IDF, Shin Bet, and security forces for what Lapid calls the “extraordinary achievement” of killing Mansour.

In addition to promises to continue the assault against Islamic Jihad targets and operatives, Lapid says that Israeli forces are attentive to minimizing civilian casualties in Gaza.

“We are acting in a targeted and responsible manner in order to minimize harm to those not involved,” the prime minister says.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry in the Strip, 29 people have been killed since the start of Operation Breaking Dawn, including six children. Israel says many of those killed were operatives from the Islamic Jihad terror group.

Hamas officials revise Gaza death toll down to 29

Palestinians salvage belongings from the rubble of their home, following Israeli air strikes in Gaza City, on August 7, 2022. Israel says it is conducting strikes on terror targets while terror groups fire rockets at Israel. (Mahmud Hams/AFP)

The death toll from violence in Gaza has risen to 29, including six children, the Hamas-run health ministry in the Palestinian enclave says, correcting a previous statement.

Earlier the ministry had put the number of people killed at 32, but a further ministry statement brought the number down to 29.

The Gazan officials do not say how many of the total killed were affiliated with terror groups.

Israel has denied responsibility for the deaths of four children in the Jabaliya refugee last night, saying the deadly explosion was caused by a rocket launched by Palestinian terror operatives that misfired. Gazan officials say the children were killed in an Israeli strike.

Family home hit in rocket barrage from Gaza; no injuries

A home in a town in southern Israel is damaged in a rocket attack, August 7, 2022. (Eshkol Regional Council)

A home in a town in the Eshkol Regional Council took a direct rocket hit in the last rocket barrage, authorities say.

The council’s security department says the family was in their reinforced room at the time of the attack, and were unharmed.

Damage has been caused to the home, it adds.

Far-right MK Ben Gvir makes Temple Mount visit amid rising tensions

Far-right MK Itamar Ben Gvir arrives to visit the Temple Mount in Jerusalem's Old City on August 7, 2022. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)

Escorted by police, far-right MK and Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir visits the Temple Mount to mark today’s Tisha B’Av fast that commemorates a number of disasters in Jewish tradition, including the destruction of the Second Temple.

Some Palestinians at the flashpoint site heckle Ben Gvir, yelling “Allah akbar” and “slaughter the Jew” in Arabic, according to footage from the scene.

Ben Gvir, known for making provocative visits to the site, is seen in a video shared by his spokesperson responding “Am Yisrael chai,” or “long live the Jewish people.”

The Temple Mount is known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif or the Al Aqsa complex, and is a flashpoint Jerusalem site holy to both Judaism and Islam.

More than a thousand Jews have entered the Temple Mount this morning, according to Army Radio. According to the status quo, Muslims are allowed to visit and pray at the site, but non-Muslims are only allowed to visit.

Ben Gvir’s visit comes on the tense third day of Operation Breaking Dawn.

The visit comes shortly after the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group fired rockets toward Jerusalem, triggering sirens in nearby communities.

Sirens sound near central Israel community, Gaza border towns

Rocket sirens sound simultaneously in several towns close to the border with the Gaza Strip, and in a town some 35 kilometers from the area.

In the south, a barrage of mortars is launched from the coastal enclave, according to initial reports.

In Luzit, located between Kiryat Gat and the central city of Beit Shemesh, a single explosion is heard according to nearby residents.

There are no reports of injuries or damage in either attack.

Sderot municipality says at least 10 rockets fired in latest barrage on town

Shrapnel from a rocket that landed in the southern city of Sderot, August 7, 2022. (Sderot Municipality)

At least 10 rockets are launched toward the southern city of Sderot in the last rocket barrage from the Gaza Strip, local authorities say.

The Sderot municipality says one of the projectiles landed near a factory, and the rest are intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system.

There are no injuries in the latest attack.

Rocket sirens sound in Israeli towns close to Gaza border

Rocket sirens sound in a number of Israeli communities close to the Gaza border, including the town of Sderot.

There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

IDF publishes footage of what it says is failed rocket launch that killed kids in Gaza

In this screengrab from a video published by the IDF on August 7, 2022, a rocket launch from the Gaza Strip falls short in the Jabaliya refugee camp. (Israel Defense Forces)

The Israel Defense Forces publishes a video showing what it says is a failed rocket launch from the Gaza Strip last night, that apparently killed several Palestinian children.

The video shows a barrage of rockets launched from the coastal enclave at Israel, and one which falls short.

Initial reports from Gaza claimed an Israeli strike in the Jabaliya refugee camp had killed seven civilians, including four children.

But the IDF says it struck a rocket launching site at a different location in Jabaliya earlier in the evening, and wasn’t carrying out operations there at the time of the blast, and that detection systems had shown the rocket launch and then explode inside the refugee camp.

IDF publishes a video showing the failed rocket launch that struck Jabaliya in northern Gaza, killing several Palestinian children. pic.twitter.com/coPa2zTV4u

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) August 7, 2022

UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting on Gaza violence

The United Nations Security Council meets at the UN Headquarters in New York City, on February 27, 2022. (Andrea Renault/AFP)

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency closed door meeting on Monday to discuss the latest escalation between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour says in a statement.

The meeting was requested by the UAE — a UNSC member — along with China, France, Ireland and Norway, UAE Foreign Ministry strategic communications director Afra Mahash al-Hameli says in a statement.

“The United Arab Emirates has emphasized the need to restore calm to the Gaza Strip, reduce escalation, and preserve civilian lives,” she says, adding that Abu Dhabi “expresses its deep concern over the current escalation and calls for exercising maximum restraint, to prevent being drawn into new levels of violence and instability.”

During the Monday meeting, Security Council members will discuss “the current developments and ways to support international efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace,” the senior Emirati official says.

The decision to hold a meeting comes hours after the Palestinian mission to the UN reached out to UNSC members calling on them to “assume [their] responsibilities to stop the Israeli aggression against our people in the Gaza Strip and provide international protection to the Palestinian people,” Mansour’s office says in a statement.

Rocket sirens sound near Jerusalem for 1st time since start of Gaza operation

A missile from Israel's Iron Dome air defense system is launched from the outskirts of the southern Israeli city of Sderot, on August 6, 2022 (JACK GUEZ / AFP)

Incoming rocket sirens are sounding in communities on the outskirts of Jerusalem.

There are initial reports of Iron Dome interceptions over the area.

Several Iron Dome interceptions in the outskirts of Jerusalem. (Pics: בט"ש וחירום) pic.twitter.com/pn6OM5opQ2

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) August 7, 2022

A barrage was fired at communities close to the Gaza border simultaneously.

There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries in either location.

The rocket fire close to Jerusalem comes amid high tensions in the capital, with police deployed in force, and particularly in the area of the Old City and the Temple Mount, to secure services of the Tisha B’Av fast day amid the flare-up in Gaza.

Hamas health officials say 32 killed, 215 wounded in Gaza violence

Palestinians inspect the ruins of a collapsed building destroyed by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City, on August 6, 2022 (Mahmud HAMS / AFP)

The death toll from the latest violence in the Gaza Strip has risen to 32, including six children, Hamas health authorities say.

Israel has denied responsibility for the deaths of four children in the Jabaliya refugee last night, saying the deadly explosion was caused by a rocket launched by Palestinian terror operatives that misfired. Gazan officials say the children were killed in an Israeli strike.

The Hamas-run health ministry says 215 people have been wounded in Gaza since the start of Operation Breaking Dawn on Friday afternoon.

The Gazan officials do not say how many of the total killed were affiliated with terror groups.

The Israel Defense Forces says a number of operatives from Palestinian Islamic Jihad are among those killed in the multiple waves of strikes which have been targeting positions and facilities belonging to the terror group in the Gaza Strip.

Terrorists have fired over 580 rockets toward Israel since Friday, the Israel Defense Forces say.

IDF publishes footage of strike that killed 2nd Islamic Jihad commander

Senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad commanders Khaled Mansour (right) and Tayseer Jabari (left) in an undated photo. The pair were killed in separate Israeli airstrikes on August 5 and 6, 2022. (Ashraf Amra/Courtesy)

The Israel Defense Forces publishes a video showing last night’s airstrike in the Gazan city of Rafah, which killed Khaled Mansour, the leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in southern Gaza.

The IDF says Mansour was killed along with two other senior PIJ operatives: The commander of the terror group’s Rafah Brigade, Khattab Amassi, and Mansour’s deputy, Ziad Madalal.

IDF publishes a video showing the airstrike that killed Khaled Mansour, the PIJ leader of southern Gaza. pic.twitter.com/TwqIU7V1N6

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) August 7, 2022

IDF: 20 Palestinians affiliated with Islamic Jihad detained in overnight West Bank raids

Israeli troops detain a man allegedly affiliated with Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the West Bank, August 7, 2022. (Israel Defense Forces).

The Israel Defense Forces says troops detained 20 Palestinians affiliated with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group during overnight raids in the West Bank.

In a statement, the IDF says the arrests were made in the city of Jenin, the Tulkarm refugee camp, and other smaller towns across the West Bank.

The IDF says troops responded with riot dispersal means after dozens of Palestinians hurled stones and explosive devices at them, at a number of locations.

IDF says it hit Islamic Jihad ‘attack tunnel’ in Gaza, has struck 140 terror targets

Smoke billows from the site of a reported Israeli strike in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on August 6, 2022. (SAID KHATIB / AFP)

The Israeli Air Force struck a Palestinian Islamic Jihad “attack tunnel” in the Gaza Strip in the early hours of the morning, the Israel Defense Forces says.

The tunnel did not cross into Israeli territory, according to the IDF.

Military spokesperson Ran Kochav tells reporters that the IDF has struck some 140 PIJ targets across the Gaza Strip since the beginning of Operation Breaking Dawn.

The targets include the tunnel, dozens of observation posts and military sites, several rocket launching positions, and eight terror squads en route to committing an attack, he says.

Video of the PIJ tunnel struck by the IDF this morning pic.twitter.com/SUZFtKsaIe

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) August 7, 2022

Rocket sirens blare in southern Israel after 5-hour lull

Rockets fired toward Israel from Gaza City, Aug. 6, 2022 (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

After a lull of about five hours, rocket sirens blare in two southern Israel communities close to the Gaza border.

The alarms sound in Kissufim and Ein HaShlosha.

There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

IDF says 580 rockets fired at Israel from Gaza since Friday; Iron Dome has 97% success rate

Iron Dome anti-missile system fires interceptions in central Israel on August 6, 2022 (Nati Shohat/Flash90)

The latest Israel Defense Forces data put the number of rockets and mortars launched toward Israel by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group since Friday at 580.

Of them, 120 fell short in the Gaza Strip, according to the latest data, which is as of 6:30 a.m.

The Iron Dome air defense system has intercepted some 200 projectiles, according to the data.

The military says the Iron Dome missile defense system has demonstrated a 97 percent success rate at intercepting projectiles fired toward populated areas.

Magen David Adom says it has taken 28 to hospital since start of Operation Breaking Dawn

Iron Dome anti-missile system fires interceptions in central Israel on August 6, 2022 (Nati Shohat/Flash90)

The Magen David Adom emergency service says it has taken 28 people to hospital for injuries as a result of Operation Breaking Dawn, which began Friday afternoon.

Two of the injured were lightly hurt by shrapnel and 19 were wounded as they ran for shelter.

In addition, seven people were taken to hospital for treatment for anxiety.

Magen David Adom said numerous others were treated on the scene and did not require transportation to hospital.

There are no official figures for the total number of people in Israel who have required medical treatment since the start of the operation.

6 injured as explosion hits Netanya apartment; cause unclear

Six people, including a baby, are rescued from an apartment in Netanya after being trapped following an explosion that caused walls to collapse.

All six people are injured, one of them seriously, and are given medical treatment.

Rescue forces continue to search the residence for more people, and begin investigating the cause of the blast.

Hundreds of Jews wait outside Temple Mount ahead of Tisha B’Av visits

Police are reportedly preparing for many hundreds or even thousands of Jews visiting Jerusalem’s Temple Mount today, marking the fast day of Tisha B’Av which commemorates the destruction of the temples.

Hundreds are outside the holy site, waiting for the visitation hours for non-Muslims to begin.

מאות יהודים ממתינים לפתיחתו של הר הבית. pic.twitter.com/mo1Q7iwrda

— נועם לר🪶 (@noam_ler) August 7, 2022

Among those planning to visit is far-right MK Itamar Ben Gvir.

Palestinian media reports that Israeli police forces have been denying entry to young males, only allowing older men to pass.

Palestinian media: 7 injured in Israeli strikes near Rafah

Palestinian media reports that seven people have been injured in recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.

The reports say the wounded people have been taken to Al-Najjar hospital following the strikes on a “residential home” east of Rafah.

Islamic Jihad confirms death of its southern Gaza chief

Senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad commanders Khaled Mansour (right) and Tayseer Jabari (left) in an undated photo. The pair were killed in separate Israeli airstrikes on August 5 and 6, 2022. (Ashraf Amra/Courtesy)

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror organization confirms the death of its southern Gaza commander, Khaled Mansour, in an Israeli airstrike last night.

Palestinian reports: Israeli strikes kill commander of PIJ’s missile unit

Palestinian media outlets report that the commander of the Al-Quds Brigades’ missile unit, Raafat al-Zamili, has been “martyred” in Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip.

The Al-Quds Brigades are the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group.

There is no immediate comment from Israel or confirmation from official Palestinian sources.

Israel launches fresh strikes on PIJ targets in Gaza — IDF

The Israel Defense Forces says it is launching strikes in the Gaza Strip.

In an English-language tweet, the military identifies the targets as alleged terror tunnels used by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group.

The IDF is currently striking Islamic Jihad terrorist organization tunnels in the Gaza Strip.

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 7, 2022