Gaza-based Arab terrorists attacked the Sderot with another Kassam rocket early Thursday evening, the sixth day rocket and mortar shell explosions have broken the temporary truce since it went into effect two weeks ago. The rocket exploded in an open field near the town and caused no damage or injuries.
None of the terrorist organizations has taken responsibility for the latest attack. The government immediately responded by announcing a Friday closure of the Gaza crossings, which were re-opened earlier this week after two days of quiet. More than 70 trucks of humanitarian aid were shipped into Gaza on Thursday before the latest Kassam strike.
Fatah-aligned groups have taken responsibility for at least two of the attacks the past week, and Hamas claimed that the rival terrorist organization is tying to undermine the agreement.
Israel has held Hamas responsible for all terrorist activities originating in the Gaza region. Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel promised not to stage any counterterrorist operations.
However, Hamas has warned that closing the Gaza crossings is a breach of the temporary truce, which is to be extended to Judea and Samaria in four to six months if the ceasefire in Gaza holds up. Islamic Jihad terrorists have unilaterally extended the agreement to Judea and Samaria and threatened to retaliate if the IDF stages counterterrorist operations there.