Qassam rocket (Archive)
Photo: Tsafrir Abayov
Islamic Jihad fires 2 Qassams on Israel
Group's gunmen call on Palestinian factions to focus their efforts against Israel, and not against one another
Palestinian gunmen launched two Qassam rockets Sunday evening towards Israel. One rocket was fired at Sderot, and the other at Ashkelon. No injuries were reported in the strikes.
Islamic Jihad's military wing, the al-Quds Brigades, claimed responsibility for the fire.
A spokesman for the organization said that the attacks were aimed as a response "to Israel's crimes," adding that all efforts should be concentrated against the Israeli enemy.
The group has recently launched "Operation Red Rose", said to be the next stage in rocket fire against Israel. At this point the group members plan to launch improved, medium-range rockets with a dual warhead.
The Qassam fire against Israel has continued in recent days, but no injuries were reported in any of the attacks.
Sderot residents recently reported that social services representatives have begun conducting a registry of elderly and disabled people in town, in case the situation escalates and they are forced to be evacuated from their homes.
The Shaar Hanegev Regional Council has also prepared a contingent plan for an immediate evacuation, if this becomes necessary.
Sderot Mayor Eli Moyal said he had not been notified of the operation to register the residents.
Officials at the Central Command have also denied knowledge of the plan, saying it was an initiative of the Internal Ministry.
Shmulik Hadad contributed to the report
