Gaza militants fire long-range Grad rocket into western Negev

[oberliner]

Gaza militants fired at a long-range Grad rocket into the western Negev early Friday, Army Radio reported, following a night-long barrage of Qassam rockets fired from the coastal enclave.

No injuries or damages were reported.

The rocket exploded north of the Israeli town of Ofakim, with security forces struggling to pinpoint the exact location due to heavy morning fog.

The launch joined at least two earlier Qassam-rocket firings into western Negev, with no injuries or damages being reported; a third Qassam launch was reported a few hours following the firing of the Grad-type Katyusha.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/gaza-militants-fire-long-range-grad-rocket-into-western-negev-1.325533

[henank]

1. Not 100% accurate

There was some slight damage - cows and a cowshed. Yes, I know, there'll be lots of cackles about the holy cows etc. But cows and cowsheds cost money, so I'm not sure how Haaretz can report that there was no damage.

[henank]

2. Meanwhile, 7 mortar shells have been fired today as well

which represents an escalation of hostilities from the Palestinians. These are in addition to two Qassam rockets which were fired last night. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3987012,00.html

[arcticken]

3. Just their way of saying "screw peace." n/t

[Tripmann]

4. From oberliners link....

The attacks comes amid growing violence in Gaza, as Israeli forces struck Army of Islam militant leaders in two separate occasions in recent weeks. Mohammed Nimnim and Islam Yassin, killed in Israel Defense Forces air strikes on November 3 and 17, were Gazan leaders of the Army of Islam, a Palestinian Islamist group inspired by al-Qaida. Israel accused them of having planned to attack Israelis in the Egyptian Sinai.

It appears both sides are escalating

[oberliner]

5. Do you know anything about Army of Islam?

Hardly an escalation that.

[Tripmann]

6. Just making the point that both sides have engaged in aggression of late, a point missing in the

thread.

[oberliner]

7. Moreso than usual?

On the Israeli side seems to be business as usual.