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Hamas’ test rockets coincide with Israeli annexation plan

Hamas’ military wing fired dozens of rockets and mortars toward the Gaza Strip sea, which some believe to be a message to Israel regarding its annexation plans.
This picture taken on February 24, 2020, shows smoke trails from rockets fired by Palestinian militants in Gaza City. - Islamic Jihad militants claimed responsibility for another round of rockets fired towards Israel on February 24 following a new flare-up between the group and the Jewish state. Israel's army said six "projectiles" had been fired from Gaza, but that its air defence systems had "intercepted five of the launches." (Photo by MAHMUD HAMS / AFP) (Photo by MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

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