Residents witnessed intense Israeli gunfire in central Gaza on Friday, amid heightened regional tensions following Iran’s threat of retaliation over a recent strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals. Ceasefire negotiations continued as fears of an Iranian attack on Israel prompted France to advise its citizens against traveling to the area.
Mohammed al-Rayes, 61, described fleeing Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling in Nuseirat, central Gaza, while another resident, Laila Nasser, reported continuous shelling throughout the night. The recent bombardments in Gaza followed Israel’s announcement of strengthening air defenses and halting leave for combat units after an airstrike on Iran’s consulate building in Damascus. Iran accused Israel of the attack, escalating tensions further.
United States President Joe Biden warned of a potential significant attack on Israel by Iran and reaffirmed unwavering support for Israel. France cautioned its nationals against traveling to Iran, Israel, Lebanon, or the Palestinian territories, and Germany and Russia called for restraint. Talks for a ceasefire in Cairo have yet to yield results, with Israel accusing Hamas of rejecting a proposed plan.