Hamas launches missile attacks on Israel’s Ashkelon While Israel bombs centre of Gaza

Hamas forces have shelled the city of Ashkelon, located in the south-west of Israel.

According to the Telegram channel of the Palestinian movement Members of Hamas' militant wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigade, took part in the operation, Caliber.Az reports, citing Gazeta.ru.

Hamas representatives stressed that the attack was organised in response to the use of violence against civilians.

"The brigades launched rocket attacks on Ashkelon," the publication said.

Ashkelon is about 14 kilometres north of Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian authorities said Israel carried out an airstrike on the Nuseirat market in the centre of the Gaza Strip.

As a result, there are casualties and a large number of wounded, the report noted. The agency does not specify the exact number of dead and injured.

The Palestinian agency WAFA writes that eight people were killed. According to its data, the airstrike came at the restaurant, which is located in the market in the refugee camp.

A video of what is believed to be the aftermath of an airstrike in Gaza was published by the Palestinian publication Quds on its X page (formerly Twitter). It claims there were hundreds of civilians on the scene.

At the same time, the defence ministries and the IDF have announced the expansion of a state-sponsored plan to evacuate residents in northern Israel.

Defence Chief Yoav Galant added 14 settlements to the list, including Sneer, Dan, Beit Hillel, Shear Yashuv, HaGoshrim, Liman, Matsuva, Eilon, Goren, Gornot HaGalil, Even Menachem, Sasa, Tziv'on and Ramot Naftali.

"The plan will be implemented by the heads of the local municipalities, the Interior Ministry and the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) of the Ministry of Defence," the statement said.

In addition, for the support of Palestinians, Canada will provide an additional $50 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The aid will be in addition to the $10 million designated last week.

The funding will help provide food, water, emergency medical assistance, protection services and other life-saving assistance, while ensuring that none of it goes to Hamas.

“It is critical that Palestinian civilians in Gaza who need life-saving assistance receive it as soon as possible,” Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said in a statement.

“Canada will continue to work with its trusted and experienced humanitarian partners to make sure this funding reaches those who are suffering.”