TEL AVIV, December 19 (Sputnik) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are combing the area near Gaza for a rocket that struck Eshkol on the border with Gaza on Friday.
"Sirens were activated in Eshkol Regional Council some time ago. Initial reports suggest a rocket hit an open area. Forces are searching the vicinity," an Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson told RIA Novosti.
According to her, if confirmed, the attack would violate a long-term truce announced on August 26. The first violation of the ceasefire was documented in September, when Palestinian militants fired a mortar on the border with Gaza, the spokesperson noted.
The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing, held extensive military exercises in the Dugit and Nissanit villages in Gaza on Thursday, Jerusalem Post reports.
On July 7, Israel launched Operation Protective Edge against Hamas's military infrastructure in Gaza. Over 50 days of hostilities, 2,100 Palestinians and 73 Israelis lost their lives.
