It was a short few seconds before 3:00PM on Thursday, 19 Tammuz 5774, a Hamas rocket was fired to the Eshkol Regional Council once again, officially signaling Hamas’ intention to continue the warfare. The short-lived UN humanitarian ceasefire was violated hours earlier as well.

Both Israel and Hamas rejected a call to extend the UN ceasefire. The IDF spokesman explained that Hamas violated the ceasefire and therefore, extending it was not an option.

Since 3:00 there have been over a half dozen attacks directed at southern Israel communities.

In the Eshkol Regional Council, near Ein HaShloshah, residents of that and neighboring communities have been instructed to lock themselves in their homes and shut windows and shades. For the second time in about 12 hours there are fears of a terrorist infiltration into that area. reinforcements are making their way to the area as roadblocks are being established and roadways are being blocked. In the background the roar of IDF artillery firing into Gaza can be heard.

In the earlier attempt to perpetrate and attack, at least 13 terrorists were detected. B’chasdei Hashem the heavily armed terrorists were detected and some eliminated.

In another breaking event, twenty rockets were discovered in a Gaza UNRWA school. Following is an UNRWA statement:

AGENCY DEMANDS FULL RESPECT FOR THE SANCTITY OF ITS PREMISES IN GAZA

Yesterday, in the course of the regular inspection of its premises, UNRWA discovered approximately 20 rockets hidden in a vacant school in the Gaza Strip. UNRWA strongly condemns the group or groups responsible for placing the weapons in one of its installations. This is a flagrant violation of the inviolability of its premises under international law. This incident, which is the first of its kind in Gaza, endangered civilians including staff and put at risk UNRWA’s vital mission to assist and protect Palestine refugees in Gaza.

Immediately after discovery, the Agency informed the relevant parties and successfully took all necessary measures for the removal of the objects in order to preserve the safety and security of the school. UNRWA has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.

UNRWA has strong, established procedures to maintain the neutrality of all its premises, including a strict no-weapons policy and routine inspections of its installations, to ensure they are only used for humanitarian purposes. UNRWA will uphold and further reinforce its procedures.

Palestinian civilians in Gaza rely on UNRWA to provide humanitarian assistance and shelter. At all times, and especially during escalations of violence, the sanctity and integrity of UN installations must be respected. END

In the Eshkol Regional Council a rocket that landed there a short time ago struck a high voltage electric line for a second time in less than 12 hours, once again knocking out electricity to some communities.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)