Life Under Rocket Sirens in Israel: From Ceasefire Collapse to Renewed Conflict

War Resumes: Rockets, Strikes and Shaky Nights in Israel

This past week, life under rocket sirens in Israel returned to the forefront. The hardest moment for me was the 7:30 a.m. wake-up siren. The panic stayed with me for the rest of the day.

Just hours before the ceasefire ended, I attended an intimate concert by Ishay Ribo at The Barby in Jaffa. Looking around the room, I saw people from every background singing together. Ribo's Torah-inspired music has a unique ability to unite diverse audiences through familiar melodies and timeless Jewish themes.

The ceasefire officially collapsed on March 18 as Israel resumed military operations in Gaza.

Missiles launched by the Houthis triggered sirens across central Israel and Jerusalem, causing injuries as civilians rushed for shelter. Additional rockets from Gaza struck open areas while Israel responded with extensive airstrikes and renewed ground operations.

The return of life under rocket sirens in Israel has once again forced millions of civilians to balance ordinary routines with emergency shelter runs.

Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the strikes after Hamas allegedly refused additional hostage-release proposals.

The IDF launched "Operation Oz Ve'Cherev," targeting Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad infrastructure, weapons depots, and militant cells. Israeli officials reported the elimination of several senior Hamas figures and warned that military pressure would continue until hostages are released.

Meanwhile, residents in western Rafah were instructed to evacuate following IDF warnings ahead of military operations.

Defense Minister Israel Katz later announced the elimination of Ismail Barhoum, described by Israel as Hamas's new prime minister in Gaza.