A Hamas rocket struck the outskirts of Jerusalem on Tuesday, landing harmlessly in an open area in one of the longest rocket strikes fired from the Gaza Strip in nearly a week of fighting.
The rocket attack, the second aimed at the Capital since an Israeli offensive began a week ago, set off air raid sirens throughout the metropolis. A distant explosion could be heard in the city’s downtown. Jerusalem residents ran for cover as buses and trains stopped to let passengers off.
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the rocket landed in Gush Etzion, a collection of settlements southeast of the city. Last Friday’s attempt to hit Jerusalem landed in the same area. No one was wounded in either attack.
Jerusalem, nearly 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Gaza, is the most distant city the terrorists have targeted, signaling an increasing sophistication in their arsenal.
Tuesday’s rocket attack occurred as diplomats were trying to work out a cease-fire. Israeli officials estimate that Gaza’s Hamas rulers will try to stage similar attacks ahead of any truce taking hold.
The attacks aimed at Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv area have dramatically showcased the terrorists’ new capabilities, including a locally made M-75 rocket that appears to have taken Israeli defense officials by surprise.
Both areas had remained outside Hamas’s reach in past rounds of fighting, and their use dramatically escalated the hostilities. For more than a decade, the terrorists’ range had been limited to steadily broadening sections of southern Israel.
The attack on Jerusalem was especially audacious, both for its symbolism and its distance from Gaza. Jerusalem had previously been considered beyond the range of Gaza rockets — and an unlikely target because it is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam’s third-holiest shrine.
(AP)
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7 Responses
It seems they are aiming a Gush Etzion, which a a bloc of settlements somewhat south of the city.
It also seems they aren’t very good at aiming. For all we know, they were aiming at Bet Shemesh and missed.
“and an unlikely target because it is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam’s third-holiest shrine.”
you think they care about their mosques? if it gets destroyed they’ll just blame Israel and they’ll have the media to help
#1 they are aiming at JEWS and wanting to slaughter and terrorize the entire country, Jews, Non Jews, Religious, Non Religious, Right Wing, Left Wing, Male, Female, CHildren and fellow Arabs.
This is a fight to the end….
They will be good at aiming when Hashem wants them to..
And now the US is sending Hillary. To tell Israel to cease fire or else? Let Hamas build up again with Iran’s backing?
Hashem Yishmor
I think Israel should warn them that if one more rocket is aimed at Jerusalem they will raze the Al Aqsa mosque and turn it to rubble.
I agree with WIY
We need to beg Hashem for mercy. That’s all that can help.