On 27 January 2023, the Israeli military launched airstrikes targeting Hamas-affiliated Islamist militants at the al-Maghazi refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. The airstrikes follow the launching of at least five missiles from Gaza toward the Israeli city of Ashkelon during the overnight and early morning hours of 26-27 January. The Israeli missile defense system intercepted three of the projectiles. One more fell in Gaza, and the final missile landed harmlessly in an open area in southern Israel. There were no reports of injuries from Israel. Casualty counts in Gaza were unavailable. Palestinian Islamic Jihad has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Analyst Comment: Hamas and Islamic Jihad have both vowed retaliation against Israel for a 26 January raid carried out by Israeli security personnel in Jenin city that resulted in the deaths of nine Palestinians.
