Israel warned on Jan 1 that it will intensify its strikes in Gaza if Hamas keeps up its rocket fire, as Palestinian rescuers reported dozens of deaths from Israeli strikes on the first day of the new year.
Over the past week, Palestinian militants have repeatedly fired rockets at Israel, particularly from northern Gaza, where the Israeli military is conducting a major offensive.
The rockets have caused little damage and have been fired in far smaller numbers than in the early stages of the war, but they have been a political blow for the Israeli government after nearly 15 months of fighting.
"I want to send a clear message from here to the heads of the terrorists in Gaza: If Hamas does not soon allow the release of the Israeli hostages from Gaza and continues firing at Israeli communities, it will face blows of an intensity not seen in Gaza for a long time," said Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz.
His warning came after a visit to the Israeli town of Netivot, which was recently targeted by rocket fire from nearby Gaza.
Militants are still holding 96 hostages seized during their Oct 7, 2023, attack on Israel, and successive rounds of negotiations for their release and a ceasefire have all failed.
Israeli strikes continued across Gaza on Jan 1.
This story is from the January 03, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 03, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Hamas Says It's Ready to Free 34 Hostages in Mooted Exchange Deal
Swap Would Include All the Women, Children, Elderly and Sick Held in Gaza
Yew Tee residents look forward to shorter commutes with DTL extension
Slated to open in 2035, new stations will save residents up to 30 minutes in travel time
Malaysian PM Anwar hosts dinner for PM Wong to kick-start leaders' retreat
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is also Finance Minister, arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 6 for the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat.
GE Vernova's $27.4m investment in S'pore repair plant will create 100 jobs
GE Vernova will invest US$20 million (S$27.4 million) to expand its GE Repair Solutions Singapore (GRSS) facility, creating more than 100 new job opportunities, the US-based global power giant said on Jan 6.
New station near Yew Tee Village part of Downtown Line extension
DTL extension will include new interchange with the NSL in Sungei Kadut Central
British novelist David Lodge was twice shortlisted for Booker Prize
British novelist David Lodge, who was shortlisted for the Booker Prize twice, has died at the age of 89, his publisher said on Jan 3.
A CITY FOR BABIES
After a successful experiment, The City of Babies Lab has opened a new permanent space dedicated to children aged from birth to 23 months.
Scientist Names 16 New Spider Species After Jay Chou's Songs
A Chinese scientist has named 16 new spider species after songs by popular Mandopop musician Jay Chou.
Actress JJ Jia Xiaochen upset with hubby for not remembering wedding anniversary
Chinese actress JJ Jia Xiaochen has grumbled about her husband, Hong Kong action star Louis Fan, on social media again.
Actress Chen Liping leaves Mediacorp after 40 years
Actress Chen Liping, a household name in the local entertainment industry, has left broadcaster Mediacorp after 40 years.
