The Qassam rocket is a homemade device made from a lamppost section and filled with explosive material. The rocket was developed by terror group Hamas
at the end of 2001.
Hamas terrorists have fired hundreds of Qassam rockets at communities in the Gaza Strip and within the Green Line, most notably the southern Israeli town of Sderot. The attacks have so far killed four Israelis, including three children, and wounded dozens.
The Qassam's range is about four to seven miles (6-11 kilometers), but terrorists are constantly attempting to improve it. Israeli security officials are concerned that a long-range Qassam could threaten residents and a major power station in Ashkelon, north of the Gaza Strip.
The Israel Defense Force has repeatedly acted against terror cells firing Qassam rockets by staging ground operations and targeting terrorists from the air.
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