Qassam Rocket Attack a "Severe Escalation"
Israel promises swift response to deadly Gaza rocket launch.
Qassam rocketPic: Qassam rocketThe Israeli government warned that it would respond fiercely to a Qassam rocket fired from the Gaza Strip that killed a Thai greenhouse worker in the Netiv Ha’asara region.
The greenhouse worker was evacuated from the scene but died at Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon.
A little known Islamist group called Ansar al-Sunna that takes inspiration from al-Qaeda is claiming responsibility for the rocket attack.
The group sent an email statement to media in Gaza that said the attack was a reaction to Israel’s “Judaization” of Islamic shrines in Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Later, the Aksa Martyrs Brigades also claimed responsibility for the attack.
Vice Prime Minister Silvan Shalom stressed that Israel will launch a strong response to the attack, putting the blame squarely on Hamas’s shoulders.
“It is severe escalation,” Shalom told Israel Army Radio. “Israel will not return to the situation before Operation Cast Lead. The response will be particularly fierce.”
He added, “I hope Hamas will learn a lesson.”
The attack occurred on the day that EU foreign policy chief Catherine Asthon was on a diplomatic visit to Gaza. Ashton was the first international official of such stature to visit the territory in over a year. She did not meet with Hamas officials.
Ashton had only just entered Gaza when the rocket was launched.
“I condemn any kind of violence. We have got to find a peaceful solution to the issues and problems," she told reporters. "What we have been saying to the Israelis for a long time is that we need to allow aid into this region, to be able to support the economy to grow for people to have the things they are clearly lacking.”
"At this time there are a number of groups in Gaza that are challenging Hamas, which is acting with restraint," said Israeli Deputy Defence Minister Matan Vilnai, Ynet reported. “Regardless of which group claims responsibility for the Qassam fire, Israel holds Hamas accountable for anything that happens on the ground because it rules.”
Vilnai added, "Israel is not interested in a military confrontation, but will not allow attacks on its citizens. Hamas must prevent any and all attacks on Israel to avoid a deterioration of the situation.”
The attack has been denounced by the British government as well as by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
Earlier this week, two Kassams were fired from Gaza. They landed near Sderot. Two people were evacuated suffering from shock. One was a young girl.
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