The IDF is continuing its restraint policy despite the drastic escalation in rocket fire from Hamas-controlled Gaza into southern Israel. On Friday morning, four Kassam rockets landed in southern Israel and Baruch Hashem, no injuries or damage were reported.

Residents of Gaza periphery communities are calling on Defense Minister Ehud Barak to take action to bring a halt to the bombardment. Over 50 rockets have pounded southern areas in the past two days, and residents have returned to the state of anxiety that has accompanied their lives during recent years.

In Ashkelon, PTA officials are striking schools and will only be sending their children later in the morning as they demand the government take action to halt the rocket fire. There is much criticism against the government’s inaction during the relative quiet that accompanied the ceasefire, with residents questioning why the fortification work for schools and other buildings was not completed during that time period.

In the meantime, Defense Minister Ehud Barak continues to explain the targeted operation to eradicate a weapons smuggling tunnel earlier in the week was just that, insisting that from Israel’s perspective, the ceasefire is still in effect. He is calling for an end of rocket fire and his only response has been the ordered closure of Gaza crossings to Israel as a punitive measure in the hope it will result in a cessation of attacks.

IDF, police and MDA remain on alert in the south in the expectation of additional rocket attacks on erev Shabbos and in the coming days.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)