Special to WorldTribune.com

GAZA CITY — Hamas has conducted a series of launches as part of efforts to produce a long-range rocket.

Israeli and Palestinian sources said Hamas has been firing rockets nearly daily from bases in the Gaza Strip into the Mediterranean Sea. They said the launches marked trials of a missile or rocket based on the Syrian-origin M-302.

“The launches take place nearly every morning,” a source said.

The sources said the unidentified projectiles were launched from the central Gaza Strip on Dec. 9 through 13. They said dozens of rockets were fired from Hamas bases in November and December.

So far, Israel has not intervened in the Hamas rocket tests. The sources said the launches did not violate the ceasefire that ended the 50-day war with Israel on Aug. 26.

Hamas has confirmed the rocket launches. Hamas deputy chief Mussa Abu Marzouk said the movement would continue the trials, but did not elaborate.

The trials came amid Hamas consultations with Iran, deemed the leading military supplier to the Gaza Strip. In December, a Hamas delegation met Iranian leaders in an attempt to reconcile with the Teheran regime.

“Iran is the only country that has stood beside Hamas and provided the resistance movement with financial, weapons and training assistance,” Abu Marzouk said.

  Hamas conducting daily test launches of rockets into the Mediterranean Sea, WorldTribune.com