Hamas strikes back

Ha'aretz reports that Hamas has claimed responsibility for firing rockets from Gaza into southern Israel.

For the first time in five months, the military wing of Hamas on Tuesday claimed responsibility for a volley of Qassam rockets and mortar shells that struck southern Israel. The group said the strikes were in revenge for Israel Defense Forces operations over the weekend, in which nine Palestinians were killed.

Izz el-Deen al-Qassam said in a statement that Hamas militants launched 40 rockets and 70 mortar shells from the Gaza Strip "in reaction to the continued Zionist crimes against our people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip."

Of course history will show that this was yet more unprovoked Arab aggression against Israel.