Two rockets hit southern Israel; four injured

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Two rockets hit southern Israel; four injured

Tuesday, February 1, 2011, 4:20 [iST]

GAZA STRIP: Two rockets on Monday hit the western Negev area in southern Israel

leaving four people injured, the Haaretz newspaper reported.

The attacks were perpetrated using two Grad rockets that were fired from the

Gaza Strip into the cities of Netivot and Ofakim. The rockets damaged one car

and four individuals were treated for shock.

The first attack took place in Netivot, located approximately 9 miles (14.4

kilometers) east of Gaza. Minutes later, a second Grad rocket hit Ofakim, which

is about 15 miles (24.14 kilometers) from Gaza.

The rocket strikes took place on late Monday. No groups have claimed

responsibility for the attack. Last month, over 13 rockets struck the western

Negev area.

In recent weeks, Jewish settlers and Palestinians have engaged in clashes along

the West Bank. In January, two Palestinian teenagers have been shot dead by

settlers in the disputed region.

On January 13, representatives of various Palestinian factions agreed to stop

rocket attacks on Israeli territory near the Gaza Strip in order to avoid a

possible new military intervention by Israel.

However, the representatives agreed to the ceasefire only if Israel also stops

attacking targets along the Gaza Strip. In recent months, Hamas officials have

urged Palestinians to restrain from launching attacks on their neighbors. The

attacks have continued on both sides.

The Israeli region of Ashkelon and the southern area of Gaza Strip have been the

scene of an ongoing series of rocket attacks between Israeli Defense Forces and

Palestinian militants.

In the winter of 2008-2009, Israel launched a surprise air strike 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.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said that over 200 Grad missiles, Qassam rockets

and mortar shells were fired from the Gaza Strip into Israeli in 2010.