Hamas' government in the Gaza Strip urged Palestinian gunners on Thursday to stop firing rockets and mortar bombs at border crossings with Israel that are used to bring food and other supplies into the territory.
A government spokesman said the rocket and mortar attacks should be halted to "preserve the interest of the Palestinian people", especially during the month of Ramadan. Armed groups said they would consider the request but had no intention of stopping rocket fire into Israel during the holy month, which started on Thursday.
At least two makeshift rockets were fired at Israel early on Thursday morning, but no damage or injuries were reported, the Israeli army said, according to Reuters. Hours later, an Israeli aircraft fired on a vehicle carrying Palestinian fighters in the northern Gaza Strip, the army said. One Islamic Jihad member was moderately injured, Hamas said. The car was carrying four operatives including a local commander.
Gaza Strip's main border crossings have been closed since Hamas took over in June. But Israel allows aid groups to use smaller crossings, including Kerem Shalom, Nahal Oz, Erez and Sofa, to bring in food, medicine, fuel and other basic supplies for the Strip's 1.5 million residents.
Rocket attacks on these crossings have forced aid groups to temporarily call off some shipments.
Khader Habib, an Islamic Jihad leader, said the group would study Hamas' request.
Hamas' armed wing, the Ezz el-Din al-Qassam Brigades, said the group was ready to defend Gaza Strip against any large-scale incursion. "We will teach the occupation new and painful lessons," spokesman Abu Ubaida said.
