Palestinians fire 3 rockets toward Israel from Gaza, one intercepted

Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fired three rockets toward Israel late Friday, the IDF said, with the Iron Dome system intercepting one of the projectiles.

Two other rockets fell in an open area and there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Iron Dome is programmed to not deploy at rockets that are projected to hit non-populated areas.

As the rockets were launched, rocket warning sirens sounded in the Kissufim area. Local officials said none of the projectiles fell in the community.

The rockets came after hours the Hamas terror group that rules Gaza held a series of protests in the Strip and called for violence against Israel in the wake of fierce clashes Thursday in Jerusalem.

Addressing the protesters, senior Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar condemned the decision of some Arab states to normalize relations with Israel last year and lashed out at the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank for continuing its security coordination with Israel.

“After a long series of protests and demonstrations, we have reached the conclusion that without weapons, we cannot liberate our land, protect our holy sites, bringing back our people to their land or maintain our dignity,” he said.

A single rocket was fired into Israel from Gaza last Friday. Another was fired the day before. Neither rocket caused injuries or damage, and the IDF hit Hamas targets in response.

The attacks came during a general lull in violence from the Gaza Strip in recent months, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and as Gaza grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.

Last month, a rocket was fired toward Beersheba as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a campaign stop in the southern city ahead of the March 23 elections.