Just when you think they're out, they pull themselves back in:Palestinian militants in Gaza have fired mortars and rockets into southern Israel, without causing any injuries.
The Islamist militant group, Hamas, said the attack was in retaliation for three of their men being killed by Israeli forces on Tuesday.
More than 50 rockets have been fired from the Gaza Strip since Hamas ended a six-month ceasefire last week.
Israel said two crossings in Gaza that were due to re-open on Wednesday would remain closed because of the attacks.
According to the Israelis, 30 rockets and 30 mortars were fired over night on Tuesday and the following day, the BBC's Tim Franks in Jerusalem reports.
One landed close to a children's playground but did not result in injuries.
However there are reports of injuries in Gaza, where some of the rockets fell short of their target, says our correspondent.
There are also conflicting accounts over whether the three men who died last night were shot by the Israeli army or were killed when a bomb they were planting blew up.
Hamas blamed Israel for the end of the ceasefire on Friday, saying it had not respected its terms, including the lifting of the blockade under which little more than humanitarian aid has been allowed in.
The Israeli government meanwhile said it had begun a staged easing of the blockade, but this was halted when Hamas failed to fulfil agreed conditions, including the ending of all rocket fire and halting weapons smuggling.
Earlier, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said on a visit to Cairo that Egypt would press for the truce to be renewed.
Not exactly the best way to spend Christmas Eve. Plus, it's another reason to always be skeptical that anything can ever really be done between Israel and Palestine.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment