at Midnight for Second Consecutive Year as Israel Rings in 2025 Hamas Fires Rockets

Although celebrations in the southern city of Netivot and other villages were interrupted by rockets fired by Hamas from the Gaza Strip shortly before midnight, Israel and the rest of the globe celebrated the start of 2025 on Wednesday. Two missiles were fired from central Gaza, according to confirmation from the Israel Defense Forces. One landed in an open region without inflicting any harm, while the other was intercepted.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>

According to Times of Israel, this attack marked the second consecutive year that Hamas has launched rockets to coincide with the arrival of the new year.

Last year, the terror group targeted central Israel with a large barrage. Despite the rocket fire, celebrations across the country proceeded relatively normally, with bars and pubs packed in cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, which have faced the hardships of nearly 15 months of conflict since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.

In Tel Aviv, activists lit a Hanukkah-themed candle display in Habima Square to advocate for the release of the 100 hostages still held by Hamas.

The display was also a call for a ceasefire and a hostage deal, adding a somber reminder to the festivities.

Meanwhile, in Gaza’s Deir el-Balah, residents in crowded tents expressed their hopes for peace. One resident, Wafaa Hajjaj, wished for the return of security and an end to the ongoing war.

Elsewhere, celebrations were held in other parts of the Middle East, including Syria, which saw its first New Year’s celebration in over five decades without the Assad family in power.

In Dubai, thousands gathered at the Burj Khalifa to watch a grand fireworks display, while in London, crowds lined the Thames for a firework show. However, severe weather led to event cancellations in some cities, including Edinburgh.

In the United States, President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his demand that Hamas release the hostages by January 20, before he takes office.

At a New Year’s Eve gala in Florida, Trump warned Hamas that it “better let the hostages come back soon.”CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>