Why is Hamas test-firing missiles?
Hamas has recently intensified its test-firing of missiles in what experts say conveys a message to Israel whereby the movement is ready for war.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, has intensified its test-firing of missiles in recent months in the framework of developing its military capabilities. However, the timing of these tests conveys military and political messages, especially to Israel.
Most recently on July 3, al-Qassam Brigades launched 10 missiles of different ranges from the northern and southern Gaza Strip to the sea, a few hours before the Israeli Cabinet convened in the Gaza envelope in the presence of senior army commanders and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the stalled truce with Hamas.
After the meeting, Netanyahu threatened Hamas, saying, "Our policies are clear. We want the truce to go back to what it was, but at the same time we are preparing for a large-scale military operation, if it comes down to it. These are my instructions to the army."
On June 28, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh phoned UN Middle East envoy Nikolay Mladenov and assured him that Israel's reluctance to implement the truce understandings would have negative effects.
