Israel Launches Air Raids on Gaza After Intercepting Rocket Fire

Image copyright: Anadolu [via Al Jazeera]

The Facts

  • The Israeli military said it struck Gaza early on Thursday after intercepting Palestinian rocket fire earlier in the evening, saying it targeted a rocket production workshop run by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. No casualties were reported on either side.

  • The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the airstrikes also targeted an alleged chemical production site, saying that it would hold Hamas accountable for any rocket fire coming from Gaza.


The Spin

Pro-Israel narrative

These airstrikes show that Israel's defense establishment is prepared to take any action needed to ensure peace for its citizens. Though such a response to Thursday's Jenin raid was already anticipated, connecting events between Gaza and the West Bank is a dangerous precedent that threatens the very existence of the State of Israel.

Pro-Palestine narrative

This is the latest attack that Israeli occupation forces carried out this year, including a deadly raid in Jenin and another airstrike on the Gaza Strip, after they killed more Palestinians last year than in any other calendar year since the Second Intifada. It is Israel that's becoming even more violent while maintaining its 15-year-old unlawful siege of Gaza.


Metaculus Prediction


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

More neutral establishment stance articles