Over 150 missiles, rockets and mortars were fired over the past few days by Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other terrorist elements from the Gaza Strip into a number of areas in Israel’s southern and central region, including the cities of Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem, Be’er Sheva, Ashdod and Ashkelon. Warning sirens were also heard in Beit Shemesh, Rehovot and other nearby cities. A number were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. There were reports of light injuries and some damage was caused. The missiles being fired from Gaza are targeting over 3 million residents across Israel.

The Hamas terrorist organization and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad took responsibility for a number of the rocket attacks. In retaliation, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Air Force launched “Operation Protective Edge” by attacking targets in the Gaza Strip, and the Israeli government has authorized a call-up of 40,000 reserve soldiers.

The barrage marks the largest attack on Israel since March 2012. Since the beginning of 2014, 450 projectiles have been fired from Gaza into Israel.

The Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas, an Islamic extremist terrorist organization founded in 1988 that advocates for the eradication of the State of Israel. In addition to governing the area, Hamas has frequently used Gaza to launch its own attacks against Israel, including dispatching suicide bombers and firing missiles and rockets, and has been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Israeli citizens. On April 23, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority entered into a “unity agreement” and formed a unity government in early June.