IDF strikes Hamas weapons sites in Gaza after rocket attacks

The IDF struck weapon production and storage facilities in Gaza overnight on Thursday after rocket sirens sounded in Sderot, Ibim and Nir Am at various points throughout the night.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed the strikes on Thursday morning, saying "any shooting at the State of Israel or any attempt to harm the lives of the residents of the south will be met with the strength of the IDF."

The escalating violence between Israel and the various Palestinian militant groups has continued despite appeals from the United States for calm from both sides.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had previously called for an immediate meeting of the security cabinet to determine what action should be taken in response to the rocket attack.

Local residents in Sderot reported hearing a loud explosion shortly after the sirens sounded and the IDF confirmed that the Iron Dome air defense system intercepted a rocket that had been launched from the Palestinian coastal enclave.

However, the IDF announced on Thursday that the Iron Dome wasn't activated, as 11 rockets hit the open ground or exploded mid-air, while another firing attempt failed.

The Sderot Municipality said in a statement later on Wednesday that no direct hits were reported in the city and the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council also confirmed that no rockets landed within its jurisdiction.

דיווח ראשוני: הופעלה התרעה בעיר שדרות ובמרחב עוטף עזה. הפרטים בבדיקה

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) February 1, 2023

Islamic Jihad takes responsibility for Gaza Strip rocket launch

Palestinian Islamic Jihad appeared to take responsibility for the launch on Wednesday night, writing on pieces of paper attached to the rockets that "[harming] female prisoners is a red line," in a video released shortly after the rocket launch.

#الأسيرات_خط_أحمر رسالة من #غزة pic.twitter.com/jUKkwTgpg5

— Samar D Jarrah (@SamarDJarrah) February 1, 2023

However, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine also took responsibility, saying it had launched rocket salvos at Israel early on Thursday in response to the air strikes and the "systematic aggression" against Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

According to the video, the attack was a direct response to another video published by a Palestinian female prisoner in Damon Prison, who called on Palestinian terrorist groups to "show determination to teach the enemy not to harm our women" after she claimed she was mistreated in the Israeli prison.

The Palestinian prisoners at the prison, who were rioting and attempted to torch one of the cells, according to the Israeli Prison Service, were then beaten and sprayed with pepper spray, as per unconfirmed Palestinian reports.

Possible terrorist infiltration suspected in Psagot

Early Thursday morning, the IDF issued a Home Front Command warning for residents of the Psagot settlement in the West Bank.

The military advised all residents to remain in their homes and to lock their doors and windows.

It added that no one should leave their residence until it notifies the public that there is no longer a threat.

All traffic has been closed off from the area until further notice and motorists are advised to stay away from the area.

The IDF issued the alert after a bag was found containing a knife and other "suspicious" items, it said, adding that soldiers are currently sweeping the area of the settlement to locate possible intruders.

Ben-Gvir, Israeli Prison Service and Palestinian threats

Since entering office, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversees the IPS, has made several moves aimed at imposing severe restrictions on Palestinian prisoners jailed for involvement in terrorist attacks.

Last week, a petition filed to the High Court claimed that the IPS barred medical staff in jails across Israel from giving updates to families on the health condition of prisoners

The actions taken by the IPS and Ben-Gvir prompted Qadri Abu Bakr, chairman of the Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs Commission, to declare that Ben-Gvir's plans could lead to a “general insurrection” in Israeli prisons.

Reuters contributed to this report