Israel bolsters troops at border with Gaza as Hamas hits Ashkelon with rocket barrage
In response to the recent rocket barrage fired at the city of Ashkelon by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Israel has increased its military presence at the border with the Gaza Strip. The move was made in order to deter further violence and to provide greater protection to Israeli citizens living in the area.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly deployed infantry troops and tanks to the border, while air forces have been standing by in case of additional attacks. Additionally, Israeli forces have been directing fire towards suspected terrorist hideouts inside Gaza.
The latest conflict started on May 10, when Israel launched a series of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip in response to rockets which were fired from the territory. Since then, Hamas has launched over 200 rockets into Israel, with the city of Ashkelon being particularly hard hit. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged that Israel will respond with “maximum force” to the attacks.
It remains to be seen what will happen next, and how far Israel is willing to go in order to halt the rocket barrage. The situation is a dangerous one, and it is increasingly likely that it will get worse before it gets better.