Gazans fire 4 more rockets; Hamas claims earlier launches

Palestinians fire a total of 10 rockets at Israel in past 24 hours; in significant departure from previous position, Gaza-based terror group claims responsibility for at least 3 mortar shells fired into Israel.

By JPOST.COM STAFF, YAAKOV LAPPIN
Kassam rockets being fired from the Gaza Strip 311 (R) (photo credit: Nikola Solic / Reuters)
Kassam rockets being fired from the Gaza Strip 311 (R)
(photo credit: Nikola Solic / Reuters)
Palestinian terrorists fired four rockets at Israel on Tuesday afternoon, just hours after Hamas took responsibility for firing a number of mortar shells into  Israeli territory on Monday night. Including the latest barrage, which landed in open fields in the Eshkol Regional Council, Palestinian terrorist have fired ten rockets into Israel since Monday night but failed to cause damage or injuries.Earlier, Hamas claimed responsibility for at least some of the rocket fire, claiming that it was responding to the killing of Palestinians in recent days. The IAF killed four Palestinian terrorists in the last 24 hours, at least two of whom were members of the Islamic Jihad terrorist group.
In a statement released by Hamas's armed wing, Izzaddin al-Kassam, the group said that it fired three mortars aimed at an IDF base in Zikim.The announcement marks a significant departure from its previous position, as during the last round of violence Hamas refrained from firing rockets into Israel.
Early Tuesday morning, the Israel Air Force struck a terrorist cell that was in the process of planting an explosive device near the border of the central Gaza Strip, confirming a direct hit. Two Palestinians, both believe to be Islamic Jihad operatives, were killed. The attack marked the third airstrike in 24 hours, and appeared to mark a continuing escalation between Israel and Gaza terror groups.
Earlier Monday, a terror cell operating from Sinai crossed into Israel, killing a construction worker near the border fence. A force from the Golani Brigade immediately arrived at the scene, killing two terrorists in the ensuing gunfight.
Hours after the attack, an IAF aircraft targeted a motorbike in Gaza, killing two Islamic Jihad men who were part of a terror cell responsible for recent shooting attacks along the border.
Yaakov Katz contributed to this story.