Switzerland strongly condemns rocket attacks on Israel

Switzerland has strongly condemned the rocket attacks on Israel. As the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) announced on Friday, it is calling for an immediate de-escalation. Previously, rockets from Lebanon and Gaza hit Israeli territory. Israel responded with counterattacks.

The Israeli military reported Friday morning that the army had attacked Hamas’ “terrorist infrastructure” in Lebanon. The military will “not allow the Hamas terrorist organization to operate from Lebanon.” The Lebanese state is also responsible for any shelling emanating from its territory.

According to media reports, there were explosions south of the city of Tyros. There would be a Palestinian refugee camp nearby. The army believes that Hamas, which is in power there, or the militant Palestinian organization Islamic Jihad, which is also active, are responsible for the rocket attacks.

Israeli fighter jets also bombed Islamic Hamas weapons factories in the Gaza Strip at night, according to the army. It was initially unclear whether there were any injuries or even deaths. According to Palestinian media and eyewitnesses, explosions could be heard and smoke could be seen over the coastal enclave.

At least 36 rockets were fired into Israeli territory on Thursday, according to military information from Lebanon — the highest number since 2006. Two people in northern Israel were slightly injured. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Israel, however, blamed the militant Palestinians.

Call for condemnation of the attacks

“We will meet our enemies and they will pay the price for any kind of aggression,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in Jerusalem. The internal debate in Israel does not prevent the country from taking action against its enemies “anywhere, anytime”. The security cabinet met in Jerusalem in the evening.

Defense Minister Joav Galant had previously instructed the military to “prepare for all possible responses to recent events”.

Israeli President Izchak Herzog said “The State of Israel will act at all levels to ensure its security”. At the same time, he called on the international community to strongly condemn the attacks.

Tensions continue to rise on the border with Lebanon. The two neighboring countries are officially at war. (sda/dpa)