The Israel Defense Forces have struck numerous Hamas terror sites after a rocket was fired into Israel from Gaza admit rising tensions.
On Monday evening, one rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip into the Eshkol Regional Council also in southern Israel. As the rocket fell in an open area, no sirens were sounded and an alert was only issued in the open area.
No group claimed responsibility for the rocket fire as of Tuesday morning, however, it was Hamas who bore the brunt of Israel’s response.
Israel retaliated to the rocket attack with IDF aircraft bombing “underground infrastructure” belonging to the terror group in Khan Younis. Large explosions were reported in the area. In addition, IDF tanks struck a number of Hamas observation posts near the Israeli border, east of Rafah.
In recent days, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the two most powerful terror groups in Gaza, have threatened to step up clashes along the border, following months of relative calm in the area.
The main reasons for the excalation in violence is to do with Hamas’ opposition to Israel’s plans for sovereignty in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) as well as their
Earlier on Monday, senior Hamas official Salah al-Bardawil called for “the annexation project to be confronted with resistance in all forms.”
Hamas deputy political chief Saleh al-Arouri told the Hamas-linked al-Resalah TV channel that “mass actions” were being planned “in all regions,” in protest against Israel’s plans.
“We cannot exclude the possibility that — in the wake of Israeli aggression — matters may reach a point of escalation in the confrontation, which might lead to military escalation,” al-Arouri said.
Hamas officials also said they were willing to work with any group to coordinate anti-annexation efforts, al-Arouri said, including the Palestinian Authority.
“The PA should remove any fears that we will take their place in the West Bank. We only want to extend an outstretched hand to join in resisting the occupier,” al-Arouri said.
