Two Qassam rockets were fired from the Gaza strip into southern Israel on Friday evening. Israeli media sources report that there was no injuries or damage caused by the rockets. The Israel Defense Forces launched a series of air strikes overnight Thursday against targets in the Gaza Strip, hours after a Qassam rocket fired from the Strip hit southern Israel. Three Palestinians were reportedly killed in the strike, including a 15 year-old boy, with two wounded and several others feared trapped inside the ruins, medics said.
On Wednesday, GOC Southern Command Yoav Galant warned Negev residents that the quiet Israel has recently experienced along the Gaza border may only be temporary, adding that the IDF was prepared to face tensions should they arise. Galant also urged civilians in the Negev to "prepare themselves for another round of fighting."
Hamas had said it was cracking down on militant groups firing at Israel from the Gaza Strip, but communities in the Negev have been hit with rockets numerous times in the year since the IDF embarked on Operation Cast Lead.
Just last week, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) claimed responsibility for firing two Russian-made Grad missiles from Gaza at southern Israel. The Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) also claimed responsibility for firing four mortar shells at Israeli army vehicles near the border the week before.