Israel bombs two targets as Gaza militants fire three rockets

Israel bombs two targets as Gaza militants fire three rockets

2011-01-11 04:31:54 GMT+7 (ICT)

GAZA STRIP (BNO NEWS) -- Three rockets from the Gaza Strip struck the Ashkelon region in Israel on Monday, hours after the Israeli Air Force (IAF) hit two sites in Gaza, continuing violence in the disputed territory.

According to the Haaretz newspaper, the IAF said that the operation was designed in retaliation against 'a rise' in rocket and mortar attacks by Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip. Last week, however, the Israeli government said data showed a drop in terrorist attacks.

The two IAF targets on Monday were said to be suspected terrorist sites in the north and south of the Gaza Strip. The operation was conducted before sunrise and no injures or fatalities have been reported.

Hours later, three rockets exploded in open areas of the Ashkelon region in the Mediterranean coastal region of Israel. Two of the missiles hit the southern industrial zone and the other struck the Ashkelon Beach regional council. There were no injuries.

On Sunday, Hamas announced that it has begun talks with militant factions, urging them to stop firing rockets into Israeli territory as it is feared that the Jewish country may be considering another military offensive.

In the winter of 2008-2009, Israel launched a surprise airstrike against the Gaza Strip which marked the beginning of a three-week military conflict between Israel and Hamas, killing nearly 1,500 people and leaving thousands more injured and displaced. Israel stated its aim was top stop rocket fire from and arms import into Gaza.

In 2010, the Israeli Security Agency reported a total of 150 rocket launches from the Gaza Strip towards Israel. It represented a significant drop from 569 laucnhes in 2009, although 407 of them were launched during Operation Cast Lead.

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