'Failure of Iron Dome': Hamas rockets target Tel Aviv amid ongoing Israeli raids in Gaza

Residents report hearing a loud explosion though no warning sirens were activated

A rocket launched by Hamas from the Gaza Strip landed in the sea off the coast of Tel Aviv on Tuesday afternoon, marking a significant moment in the ongoing conflict as it was the first such strike on the Tel Aviv area since late May. 

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the incident, which comes amid increasing tensions and ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza.

Residents of Tel Aviv reported hearing a loud explosion, though no warning sirens were activated, in line with IDF policy that triggers alarms only in areas directly threatened by rocket impacts. 

The IDF acknowledged that another rocket was detected but did not cross into Israeli territory.

Hamas has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that two M90 long-range rockets were fired towards Tel Aviv from the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis. 

This area is currently under heavy Israeli military operations, as IDF forces have been carrying out targeted raids since last Friday.

Sources within Hamas indicated that the rockets were fired in response to ongoing Israeli aggression, including recent assassinations of prominent Palestinian leaders. 

Hamas’s actions can be seen as a form of resistance, aiming to prevent Israeli forces from gaining control over its resources and to assert its stance against occupation.

The last time Tel Aviv was targeted was in May when rockets fired from Rafah triggered alarms across central Israel. Hamas's continued use of its rocket arsenal underscores its determination to resist Israeli military advances, even in the face of significant challenges.