Israel's entry into 2025 was marked by moments of both celebration and violence, as Hamas rockets disrupted southern festivities and a shocking stabbing highlighted a night of contrasts across the country.
Just as midnight struck, Hamas fired two rockets from central Gaza toward Netivot and surrounding communities. The IDF reported that one rocket was intercepted while the second struck an open area, with no injuries reported. The attack marked the second consecutive year Hamas has targeted New Year's celebrations, following last year's larger barrage aimed at central Israel.
In Migdal HaEmek, a celebratory moment turned violent when two brothers, aged 37 and 39, allegedly stabbed their neighbor shortly after midnight in a confrontation sparked by New Year's confetti landing in their parking area. The victim was rushed to hospital with severe injuries, while police detained the brothers for questioning.
Despite these incidents, celebrations in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and much of the country proceeded "as normally as could be," though tinged with the reality of almost 15 months of war since Hamas's October 7, 2023 massacre. Tel Aviv's bars and pubs were packed, while at Habima Square, activists for the 100 hostages still held in Gaza created a Hanukkah-themed candle display, using the new year to renew calls for a ceasefire and hostage deal.
Magen David Adom emergency services reported 25 people were injured in traffic accidents during New Year's Eve celebrations across the country. Among approximately 50 people treated for alcohol-related incidents, a 43-year-old woman in the Western Galilee died despite resuscitation efforts. The night also saw eight people injured in various violent incidents, including the Migdal HaEmek stabbing and a 50-year-old woman in Tel Aviv who suffered moderate head injuries.
The stark contrasts of the night were visible across the region. In Gaza's Deir el-Balah, where masses of displaced Palestinians are staying in crowded tents amid the ongoing war, resident Wafaa Hajjaj told AFP: "May security and safety return, and may the war finally come to an end."
In Damascus, crowds gathered in Umayyad Square waving "revolution" flags in Syria's first New Year's celebration without the Assad family in power since 1970, following the recent ouster of President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist forces. Dubai maintained its traditional grandeur with a massive fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa, while in Europe, London's Thames-side celebration proceeded despite weather disruptions elsewhere in Britain.
At his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, President-elect Donald Trump addressed the ongoing crisis when asked about potential ceasefire talks, stating tersely: "They better let the hostages come back soon," ahead of his January 20 inauguration.
The Times of Israel and N12 contributed to this article.
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