Gaza Rocket Hits Southern Israel, Despite Cease-Fire: Report

A rocket fired from Gaza hit Israel’s southern territory on Friday, despite a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, the Israeli army said, according to Agence France-Presse or AFP. No casualties were immediately reported and the military did not confirm how Israel would react to the firing.

“A rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit the Eshkol area in southern Israel,” a spokesperson for the army said, according to AFP, stating that this was the first firing into the region since the ceasefire was agreed upon on September 16.

Hamas and Israel engaged in a violent conflict after Israel’s army launched Operation Protective Edge in July, to counter rockets being fired by Hamas. Over 2,100 Palestinians were killed in the Gaza Strip, while 66 Israeli soldiers and seven civilians were killed between July 8 and Aug. 27, according to an estimate by the United Nations.

The ceasefire was negotiated, with the help of Egypt, who are also expected to restart talks in Cairo soon, aimed at maintaining the ceasefire.