Conflict in the Gaza Strip rekindles

Israeli aircrafts have hit targets in the Gaza Strip early Monday morning after rockets were fired at Israel from the territory, the military said, unsettling a tenuous cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.  

Investigations have taken place since this incident and the military have alleged that the aircraft struck two weapon storage facilities and a rocket launch site. There have been no injuries reported. 

Rocket fire from Gaza has declined from the time when Israel carried out an eight day military campaign last November in response to frequent attacks. An Egyptian brokered cease-fire has largely held, but occasional fire still continues. 

Israel’s chief military spokesman, Brigadier General Yoay Mordechai, speaking on army radio, accused the militant Islamic Jihad group, despite militant groups claiming no responsibility for the rocket launch. In the past, Islamic Jihad has occasionally fired rockets from Gaza, challenging Hamas peace with Israel. 

It has been declared by Israeli police spokesperson, Micky Rosenfeld, that a total of six rockets were fired, causing no damage or injuries. The military said two of the rockets were stopped by the Iron Dome – a missile defence system. The rest landed in open areas. 

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s response was firm as he declared: “My policy is to harm whoever tries to harm us…That is how we will work and will continue to act against threats that are close, and threats that are far.” 

The Hamas prime minister, Ismail Haniyeh, stated: “Any Israeli aggression does not scare the Palestinian people,” possibly indicating the start of a new conflict. 

In April, Israel struck Gaza when an Israeli aircraft hit and killed a top militant in an indistinct al-Qaida-influenced group, who had been involved in a rocket attack. 

Recently, Jewish extremists have targeted mosques and churches, where even the Israeli military supported the protest. Last week an Arab village outside the Jerusalem was attacked, depicting the ongoing battle in Israel. 

Investigations are being made, yet Rosenfeld said no arrests have taken place following the latest string of related crimes. 

Kardelen Yuce