BICOM

On Friday, a rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel for just the third time since Operation Protective Edge, prompting Israeli jets to hit a strategic Hamas target in response. However, Hamas yesterday distanced itself from the rocket attack.

An Egyptian-brokered ceasefire which brought an end to Operation Protective Edge has largely held firm. However, on Friday a rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip into the Eshkol region of southern Israel. No injuries or damage was reported. In response, Israeli Air Force planes struck Gaza for the first time since the summer conflict. Jets hit a Hamas factory said to be producing cement to rebuild attack tunnels to target Israeli soldiers and civilians, with many having been destroyed by Israeli forces during Operation Protective Edge.

Hamas initially responded to the skirmish with bullish rhetoric. Hamas’s leader in Gaza Ismael Haniya said, “We will protect and guard the resistance’s [Hamas] victory in the last conflict” while Hamas official Ismael al-Ashqar claimed “the right to respond to Israeli aggression at the time and place of its choosing.” However, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that not a single rocket would be tolerated and “If there’s an escalation of hostilities, Hamas will be to blame.”

Hamas yesterday appeared to shift its tone. According to the Palestinian daily al-Quds, Hamas told Israel via Egyptian mediators that it was not behind the rocket attack and will seek to find the perpetrators. Israel’s Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon said that Hamas had even arrested those responsible and “It turns out that it’s one of the global jihadist organizations.” Ya’alon added, “the fact is Hamas is deterred … and I hope for as long a period as possible.” Meanwhile, Israel Radio reported that senior Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk commented “We are interested in upholding the understandings that were reached [during ceasefire talks].”

Since the summer conflict, Israel has eased restrictions on goods entering and exiting Gaza to help reinvigorate trade and facilitate the import of materials for reconstruction.