NEW YORK (JTA) — Hamas fired two rockets into the sea near Gaza in what is being described as a test for an upgraded version of the Kassam rocket.
The mlitant group fired the rockets on Thursday to test their capabilities, Israel’s daily Ma’ariv reported. The new Kassam reportedly has an increased range and could strike farther into Israel.
Since 2002, Hamas has fired thousands of rockets at Israel from the Gaza Strip, killing and wounding numerous civilians. In a three-week war with Israel last January, Hamas’ rockets reached Israeli targets as far away as Beersheba, Yavneh and Kiryat Gat. There has been a steep decline in Hamas rocket fire since that war.
