Cities with Armenian Populations Await Morning in Bomb Shelters, Says Editor of 'Israeli Armenians'

Israel has been under rocket fire since early morning, with residents waking up to the sound of explosions. This was reported on Facebook by the editor of 'Israeli Armenians' newspaper, Artem Chernamoryan, who is also the president of the 'Nairi' union for Israelis of Armenian descent in Petah Tikva.

“Dozens of cities with Armenian populations began their morning in bomb shelters. Among the central cities particularly targeted were Rishon Lezion, Bat Yam, Holon, Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, Ramat Gan-Kfar Saba, and Hod Hasharon,” he wrote.

Chernamoryan noted that southern regions and cities of Israel have been particularly heavily bombarded, including Ashdod, Ashkelon, Kiryat Gat, Sderot, and Beer Sheva. In Ashkelon, a rocket struck a building, resulting in one fatality, while reports on wounded individuals are still pending.

He also shared footage from Sderot, where residents filmed assailants armed with weapons moving through the streets of the city.

It is important to note that in the context of ongoing rocket fire from the Gaza Strip and the infiltration of assailants, Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Galant has announced a massive mobilization of reservists. The Israel Defense Forces have also declared a state of readiness for war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gone to the defense ministry headquarters for consultations with military commanders.

Civilians in the southern and central regions have been instructed to remain near shelters, while residents of areas adjacent to the Gaza Strip have been advised to stay inside shelters.