Israeli army calls for ‘staying alert’ despite decrease in Gaza rocket fire

JERUSALEM

The Israeli army on Tuesday urged Israelis to “stay alert” despite a decrease in rocket fire from the Gaza Strip.

"We observe a decrease in the launches from Gaza," military spokesman Daniel Hagari told reporters.

"We call upon the public - stay alert. This is an attempt by the enemy to make us calm. Hamas still has launching capabilities from Gaza,” he said.

The military spokesman called on the Israelis to abide by the instructions of the army's Home Front.

According to Israeli estimates, more than 7,500 rockets have been fired from Gaza towards Israeli territories since Oct. 7.

The conflict in Gaza, which has been under Israeli bombardment and a blockade since Oct. 7, began when the Palestinian group Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Nearly 6,500 people have been killed in the conflict, including more than 5,087 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara