Hamas Fires at Jerusalem for First Time

Israel seems poised to launch ground attack
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 16, 2012 12:49 PM CST
Hamas Fires at Jerusalem for First Time
Israeli security forces search for a rocket thought to have been fired by Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip in Jerusalem Friday.   (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)

Hamas did something today that not even Saddam Hussein dared: It fired at least one rocket at Jerusalem, reports Haaretz and the New York Times. It's the first time since 1970 that the city came under fire, though no rockets appear to have fallen within the city limits. One came down without causing damage south of the city near a West Bank settlement. The move marks a "major escalation" because of Jerusalem's symbolic importance and its proximity to Gaza (about 50 miles), reports Al Jazeera. Earlier, Hamas fired at Tel Aviv, Israel's biggest city.

"We are sending a short and simple message: There is no security for any Zionist on any single inch of Palestine and we plan more surprises," said Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Hamas militant wing. Israel, meanwhile, seems to be edging closer to a ground attack with the call-up of 16,000 more reservists, reports AP. Armored vehicles have been moved to the border with Gaza as well. (More Jerusalem stories.)

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