Tensions rise as Gaza rocket hits southern Israel

A rocket launched from Gaza on Friday lands in the Eshkol Regional Council in southern Israel, Israeli Army says

A total of 2,142 people, most of them civilians including more than 490 children, have been killed in Gaza since war broke out on July 8. A total of 69 people have been killed on the Israeli side, nearly all of them soldiers
A total of 2,142 people, most of them civilians including more than 490 children, have been killed in Gaza since war broke out on July 8. A total of 69 people have been killed on the Israeli side, nearly all of them soldiers

A rocket fired from Gaza hit southern Israel on Friday, the Israeli army said, although there were no reports of casualties or damage.

“A rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit the Eshkol area in southern Israel,” said the spokesman for the army, adding that it was the first rocket to strike Israeli territory since 16 Septemberand the second since the unofficial ceasefire agreement reached with Hamas in August.  

The spokesman did not say how the Israelis would respond despite the rocket being fired during a ceasefire put in place since Operation Protective Edge, launched in the summer by Israel against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire on August 26, brokered by Egypt, ending 50 days of war which resulted in the deaths of 2,140 Palestinians and 73 Israelis, most of them from the army.

Both sides are expected to resume talks soon in Cairo as part of an effort to keep the ceasefire in place.