WarSclerotic

Hamas Calls Ceasefire After Nearly 100 Rockets – Defense/Security – News – Israel National News.

Hamas officers in Gaza

“In response to the Egyptian efforts to try and stop the aggression on our people, we at Al-Qassam Brigades and all resistance factions declare our commitment to stop this round of confrontation, as long as (Israel) commits to stopping its crimes,” said a statement from Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades.

The statement noted that terrorists had fired 96 rockets and nine mortars at Israel during the recent wave of violence.

“Our confrontation with the enemy in this round was at the minimal level of fire and responses, this is a message that the (Israeli) leaders should understand very well,” said the statement quoted by AFP.

The statement comes after terrorists fired at least 41 rockets into Israel on Wednesday alone.

Three short-range Qassam rockets exploded in areas within the Eshkol Regional Council district a few minutes prior to the noon hour. The Color Red rocket alert siren apparently failed to activate and warn residents of the incoming missiles. One of the rockets started a fire, but no one was injured in the attack.

An early-morning barrage fired at the Eshkol just minutes before Israel’s final day of classes for some 640,000 public high school students had already sent youths racing for their shelters just before school was about to start.

The three rockets landed in open areas around the Eshkol region at about 8:00 a.m. The attack came minutes after medium-range a Grad missile was fired at the city of Be’er Sheva.

In a joint IDF and Shin Bet activity Wednesday in southern Gaza, IAF aircraft targeted a Global Jihad terror operative involved in the planning and execution of Monday’s terror attack against Israeli construction workers.

One Israeli civilian was killed in that attack, which took place on the Israel-Egypt border.

Earlier, IAF aircraft struck seven terror sites in Gaza overnight Tuesday and early Wednesday morning. Hits were confirmed and all aircraft returned safely to their airbases.

On Wednesday evening, the IDF’s Home Front Command issued security instructions for residents of communities located near Gaza.

For communities located within 7 kilometers of Gaza, residents are asked to enter a protected space upon hearing an alarm or explosion.

Only fortified schools will be open, and open-air gatherings are forbidden.

Shopping centers will be open as usual.

For communities within a 7-15 kilometer range of Gaza, schools will be open as usual without limitations, and open-air gatherings will be allowed.

Eilat Residents Fear for their Safety – Defense/Security – News – Israel National News.

( I live in Eilat and am unafraid.  Then again, I’ve been under rocket and missile fire numerous times. – JW )

Road to Eilat

Just ten days after Highway 12 near Eilat was reopened to evening and nighttime traffic, the IDF closed it once again on Wednesday for security reasons.

The road was initially closed for traffic ten months ago, after the combined terrorist attacks that killed eight Israelis near the border with Egypt. In March, the road was reopened to daytime traffic.

Wednesday’s decision was made following a security assessment in which it was decided to increase security in the region. Until it is decided by what means to secure the road, it will remain closed.

Moshe Yosef, a 42-year-old resident of Eilat who volunteers with the local police, told Arutz Sheva on Wednesday that local residents feel very unpleasant and unsecure.

“The terrorists are handling our lives,” he said, adding, “The IDF must take action and constantly patrol the road.”

Yosef added that anyone traveling on Highway 12 constantly looks around, due to a fear of an attack. “There is no security on this road. I personally do not travel on this road,” he said.

He noted that today, more than ever, Eilat residents fear infiltrations by terrorists.

“Sudanese infiltrators come here freely, so who knows if there any agents of Al Qaeda among them,” said Yosef. “In the meantime we try to continue with our regular routine because there is no choice, but it’s not safe here. I live right at the edge of the city of Eilat and I feel uncomfortable. I sleep with a gun.”