Hamas launches rocket barrage at central Israel as New Year begins

No injuries were reported from the New Year's rocket attack.

JANUARY 1, 2024 00:07

Updated: JANUARY 1, 2024 12:22

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, January 1, 2024 (photo credit: AMIR COHEN/REUTERS) — Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, January 1, 2024

(photo credit: AMIR COHEN/REUTERS)

A barrage of rockets was fired at Israel shortly after midnight on Monday, triggering rocket alarms in the Gaza border area and central Israel.

The IDF later stated on X, formerly Twitter, that Hamas had launched the rockets, adding that there is no “'happy' New Year" until all of the hostages held by the Gaza-based terror organization had been returned home.

A Hamas statement posted on the group's Telegram channel one minute after midnight also confirmed Hamas's responsibility.

"Now... Al-Qassam Brigades are bombarding the city of 'Tel Aviv' and its outskirts with a barrage of 'M90' rockets in response to Zionist massacres against civilians," the statement read.

A barrage of rockets is fired at Israel as the new year begins. January 1, 2024. (credit: SCREENSHOT/X)

@COLRICHARDKEMP https://t.co/LQpXqeHV4H pic.twitter.com/qhAhywtziQ
— Lt. Col. Richard Hecht (@LtColRichard) December 31, 2023

Following the rocket attacks, the MDA spokesman noted that the emergency medical service did not receive any calls regarding casualties from the incident.

*Happy New Year from Israel. This is the time 00:00 in Tel Aviv.* Yes, that's Iron Dome shooed own rockets. Happy New Year everyone. pic.twitter.com/TeCoyYfWBX
— (((IsraelMatzav))) (@IsraelMatzav) December 31, 2023