As rocket fire continues to plague Negev, leaders fear escalation in violence during summer vacationTwo Qassam rockets were fired from Gaza late Tuesday evening, exploding in Sdot Negev Regional Council. One of the rockets lightly damaged a home, exploding just a few meters away from it, while the other landed in open spaces. No injuries were reported in the aftermath of the fire. The rocket alert was sounded at 10:15 pm, and residents also received text messages asking them to enter fortified spaces.
Sdot Negev Regional Council head Meir Yifrach said he hopes the IDF will dole out a "harsh response" to the continuing fire on civilians.
"I guess we're seeing the results of the upcoming September declaration," he said, referring to the Palestinian Authority intention to appeal to the UN for a unilateral statehood declaration. "The assessment is that there will be an escalation in violence ahead of September but I hope this will be proved false and this period goes by in peace, especially since the kids are on vacation."
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The head of Shaar Hanegev Regional Council, Alon Schuster, said the rocket fire had increased over the past few weeks and also expressed fear of escalating violence. "It appears the regime in Gaza is setting itself free of the restraints it took upon itself after the anti-tank missile fired at the school bus in April," he said, adding that the council had not received any special instructions to observe during summer vacation.