Why does Hamas fire rockets?
It began after weeks of spiralling Israeli-Palestinian tension in East Jerusalem which culminated in clashes at a holy site revered by both Muslims and Jews. Hamas – the militant Islamist group which rules Gaza – began firing rockets after warning Israel to withdraw from the site, triggering retaliatory air strikes.
What happened at Al-Aqsa Mosque?
When a group of Palestinians left the mosque after Friday prayers (Jumu’ah,) they hurled stones at the police. The police then stormed the mosque compound, firing both live ammunition and rubber bullets at the group of Palestinians, killing four and wounding about 200.
Why did Hamas start launching rockets?
Hamas had demanded that Israel withdraw security forces from Al-Aqsa, the third-holiest site in Islam, as well as release any Palestinians that were taken into custody, but launched the rockets after Israel missed its 6 p.m. deadline.
What rockets do Hamas use?
- The Qassam rocket (Arabic: صاروخ القسام Ṣārūkh al-Qassām; also Kassam) is a simple, steel artillery rocket developed and deployed by the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military arm of Hamas.
- Three models have been produced and used, the first being introduced in 2001.
How did Israel retaliate against Hamas and what resulted?
After a week of air strikes, Israeli forces initiated a ground campaign into the Gaza Strip amid calls from the international community for a cease-fire. Hamas retaliated with increasing rocket attacks on Israel, and hostilities continued until Israel and Hamas reached a cease-fire agreement on November 21.
What rockets does Hamas use?
Qassam rocket
The Qassam rocket (Arabic: صاروخ القسام Ṣārūkh al-Qassām; also Kassam) is a simple, steel artillery rocket developed and deployed by the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military arm of Hamas.
Where does Hamas get their rockets?
Hamas has produced the M-75 rockets in local workshops using the drawings and documentation supplied by Iran. The location of the workshops is unknown, though Hamas has displayed their production on Gaza television stations.