Ports under attack

The ports of Ashdod and Ashkelon have been closed following attacks on and near their infrastructure, according to information received by Dryad Global.

“Port and energy infrastructure are at this stage assessed to be proxy targets with any damage resulting from the indiscriminate nature of attacks however such targets are known to be part of the wider strategic intent of Hamas and the PIJ,” said Dryad Global.

Footage released by local witnesses shows rockets impacting the port facility at Asdod and the offshore area beyond the main anchorage. It is understood that a rocket landed in the vicinity of the Maltese flagged cargo vessel Mona and the Panama flagged cargo vessel Ahmet Onel.

Earlier footage showed the impact of a rocket attack on an oil facility near the port of Askhelon. In a statement released by the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigade, the military wing of the Palestinian Hamas organisation, it was stated that they had targeted an “Israeli Gas Platform off the coast of Gaza”.

Dryad Global added: “It is assessed that there is no stated intent to target wider commercial shipping,” however a statement on 12 May “by the Palestinian al Qassam indicates a clear intent to target the economic interests of Israel where possible. As such Ports and offshore infrastructure remain at heightened risk with attacks and associated damage a realistic possibility. Attacks against bespoke targets including port, energy and offshore infrastructure are highly likely to feature in any protracted engagement”.