Qassams, mortars hit Negev; council head says 'war of attrition in south'
Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for firing of four rockets, 10 mortars toward south Israel; no injuries reported. Palestinians: Attacks response to Israeli aggression
Three Qassam rockets fired from northern Gaza at around noon Wednesday landed in open areas within the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council limits. Earlier another rocket and 10 mortars were fired toward Israeli communities surrounding the Hamas-controlled territory. There were no reports of injuries in either barrage.
Islamic Jihad's al-Quds Brigades claimed responsibility for the rocket fire, saying it was "a response to Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement."
The past 24 hours have seen at least 15 mortars and a number of Qassams fired toward the Negev region.
According to local security officers, the terrorists usually launch attacks at the beginning and end of schooldays. They added that the Palestinians have increased their use of mortars since the IDF has been relatively successful in thwarting the rocket fire emanating from the Strip.
"To the residents it makes no difference whether it is a Qassam or a mortar that is fired, the explosion is the same explosion; the fear is the same fear, especially among children," said Rafi Bavian, head of security at the Sdet Negev Regional Council.
A senior Palestinian figure told Ynet that the attacks did not mean that the Palestinians were not committed to the agreed upon ceasefire with Israel.
"The truce has not collapsed yet, but the Palestinians will not accept a situation in which they cannot respond to Israeli aggression. Any aggressive act by the occupational army will be met with a response from us," he said.
However, Eshkol Regional Council head Haim Yalin said "there is no calm; there is a war of attrition here; a war that has been going on for eight years and is only deteriorating. We are trying to lead a normal daily routine here under incessant rocket and mortar fire."
Ali Waked contributed to the report
