Israel threatens response to Gaza attacks

According to Israeli media, local-made missiles fired from the north Gaza Strip hit an open area close to the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council in the south of Israel, Monday evening, adding  that sounds of sirens could be heard in the region. There was no reference to injuries or damage to property. Sources close to the Israeli military threatened a strong response to the continued bombardment of rockets, launched from the Gaza Strip, which are falling into the south of Israel. Israeli army radio cited sources within its Southern Command saying: “The army will not permit the presence of any threat against the cities and villages of the south”. The same sources also indicated that the response "would be harsh and would target those elements responsible for launching these missiles." Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) blamed Hamas, who govern the Gaza Strip, for firing the missiles, warning that "terrorist" members should be aware of the Israeli army's potency. Israeli military sources added that the continued militarisation of the Palestinian organisations has become a real threat to the security of the Jewish state, claiming that a large part of the arsenal of weapons left by the slain Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi,   are within the reach of extremist movements in Gaza Strip.