Rockets, Airstrikes Across The Israel-Gaza Border During The Holiday

By Batsheva Sobelman, Los Angeles Times

JERUSALEM — Israeli warplanes struck several sites in the Gaza Strip on Monday following a barrage of rockets launched at southern Israel from the seaside enclave earlier in the day, a military spokesman said.

According to an army statement, seven rockets were fired from Gaza early Monday, in addition to an anti-tank missile fired at an Israeli patrol.

One rocket caused damage to civilian infrastructure in the Israeli town of Sderot but no injuries were reported.

In response, Israel’s air force targeted three sites in Gaza.

“Hamas rocket terrorism is an intolerable reality Israelis should not have to accept,” said a statement from Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, a military spokesman.

No Palestinian faction claimed responsibility for the rocket fire.

Palestinian sources reported two security officers injured in one of the strikes that targeted an unspecified security facility in the Nuseirat refugee camp.

The tension erupted as Israelis were marking the end of the Passover holiday, with many vacationing outdoors in the southern regions within rocket range from Gaza.

The events also took place as Palestinian delegates from the Fatah and Hamas plan to meet in Gaza in coming days to advance possible reconciliation between the two rival political movements, divided since Hamas’s forceful takeover of Gaza in 2007.

Photo: Acroll via Flickr