6 Rockets Fired From Gaza
Despite ceasefire declared by Israel, Palestinian gunmen resume rocket fire Sunday morning. One Qassam hits Sderot area, another lands near kibbutz.

by Shmulik Hadad
Ynew News
January 18, 2009

http://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/688/6-rockets-fired-from-gaza

Rocket fire continues despite ceasefire: Palestinian gunmen fired six rockets into Israel on Sunday morning. One of the rockets hit the Sderot area and another landed near a kibbutz. There were no reports of injuries or damage.

While Israel's unilateral ceasefire in Gaza went into effect at 2 am Sunday, the security establishment estimated Saturday night that Hamas would continue to fire rockets and mortars toward the country's southern region in the coming days to prove that they "have the "last word in the conflict.

Earlier, Defense Minister Ehud Barak told reporters that IDF forces will remain deployed in Gaza.

"We are holding our fire, but will remain vigilant," he said, "we've met our military objectives and are now holding our fire, but Hamas may fire at the forces and the home front. The army will remain deployed in Gaza and is prepared to continue and even expand the operation if needed. Israel's citizens must also be prepared."

Sources close to Defense Minister Barak said the security establishment is gearing up for possible escalation in Gaza and has drawn up operational plans in case Hamas violates the truce.

"We are preparing for the possibility that Hamas didn't get the message and that we'll be forced to resume the offensive and perhaps intensify it," one source said.

IDF forces in Gaza have been instructed to only open fire upon sources of rocket fire towards Israeli towns or gunfire directed at them.

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