Hamas Rockets Launched Into Mediterranean, Israel Answers

Two rockets launched early Monday morning from the Gaza Strip toward Israeli territory landed in the Mediterranean Sea next to the southern Israeli city of Ashdod, Israel’s military spokesperson reported. Alarms and sirens were not activated by Israel’s defense systems during the launch, meaning the two rockets did not at any point endanger civilians or populated areas. In response to the attack, Israeli jets struck warehouses and facilities belonging to Hamas, the Palestinian group in control of the Gaza Strip which is designated a terror organization by Jerusalem, Washington and the European Union. Last week, Hamas operatives opened fire on Israeli military machinery vehicles operating near the border fence, drawing retaliatory fire by an Israeli tank. No casualties were reported in the incident. The last rocket launch from Gaza occurred less than three weeks ago, when sirens across Israel’s southern towns were activated and the Iron Dome defense system intercepted the projectiles. Then, too, Israel answered with a limited air strike against Hamas targets.