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.