► Israel: warning sirens in the center after a shot from Yemen
The Israeli army announced Monday, December 16 that warning sirens had sounded in the center of the country, following a missile launch from Yemen which was intercepted before entering Israeli territory.
“Following warning sirens activated in central Israel, a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted before entering Israeli territory. The warning sirens concerning missile and rocket fire were triggered for fear of falling debris following the interception”says an army press release.
► An NGO reports Israeli strikes in Syria
The Israeli army has “violently” struck numerous military installations on the Syrian coast during the night from Sunday to Monday, an NGO said, raids which caused panic among residents.
“Israeli warplanes launched strikes” at several sites, including air defense units and “surface-to-surface missile depots”according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (OSDH). The NGO affirms that these are “heaviest strikes since 2012” in the coastal region of Tartous (west), which is home to a Russian naval base.
Since the capture of Damascus by an armed coalition that overthrew Bashar Al Assad on December 8, 473 Israeli strikes have targeted military sites across Syria, the OSDH said.
► Israel seeks to “expand its borders” in Syria
Israel seeks to “expand its borders” with the plan to double the population of the annexed Golan, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“We strongly condemn Israel’s decision to expand illegal settlements in the Golan Heights occupied since 1967. The decision in question constitutes a new phase in Israel’s goal of expanding its borders through occupation”declared the ministry.
Germany also called on the Israeli government to abandon its project, stressing that “From the point of view of international law, this territory controlled by Israel belongs to Syria.”
► At least 12 dead in Israeli strike on school in Gaza
Gaza’s civil defense said Sunday evening that an Israeli strike on a school housing displaced people in the Palestinian territory where Israel is at war against the Islamist movement Hamas had left at least 12 dead and dozens injured.
“An airstrike targeted the Ahmed bin Abdoul Aziz school in Khan Younes and a missile hit the third floor of the school, killing more than 12 people, including children, and injuring 35”declared the civil defense spokesperson. The Israeli army indicated that it would examine the facts.
The Hamas government’s health ministry for Gaza announced a new death toll of 45,028 in the Palestinian territory since the start of the war with Israel more than fourteen months ago.
