GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The Israeli government’s discussions to annex parts of the West Bank and the Jordan Valley in July have prompted mutual threats between Israel and the Palestinians. Most recently, on July 1 and 3, Hamas’ military wing, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, fired 24 rockets and 20 large-caliber mortars toward the Gaza sea.
The rocket tests were heard across the Gaza Strip and lasted for several hours. Their ranges varied, extending to over 10 kilometers. This was the first time Hamas fired such a large number of rockets in the framework of testing.
The timing of the rocket test was no coincidence. Rather, it falls on the date that Israel had previously set to start annexing the Jordan Valley and parts of the West Bank. It has yet to do so in light of disagreements within the Israeli government and the objections of King Abdullah II of Jordan, with whom Israel has a peace treaty, and other regional and international leaders.
Prior to these tests, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Ubaida made a televised speech June 25 during which he considered the decision to annex parts of the West Bank and the Jordan Valley a declaration of war and threatened that the Palestinian factions would make Israel bite its fingers with remorse if it implemented this decision.
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