GAZA CITY — Islamic Jihad has announced the development of an
extended-range Palestinian missile.
Jihad's military wing, Al Quds Brigades, reported success in developing
a missile that could be fired from the Gaza Strip and strike the Israeli
city of Ashkelon. Al Quds said the missile, with an estimated range of 12
kilometers, would be more lethal than previous Jihad weapons.
The Fatah movement also announced that its military wing has acquired an
extended-range rocket, Middle East Newsline reported. The rocket was said to have a range of 13 to 16
kilometers and contained a more powerful TNT warhead.
Until now, Fatah has used the Kassam-2 missile developed by Hamas. Fatah
said it has also acquired Soviet-origin Grad missiles.
Islamic Jihad spokesman Abu Hamza said the engineering unit has produced
a new variant of the Quds missile, believed to be based on the
Hamas-designed Kassam. Abu Hamza said on Feb. 11
that the new missile was an enhanced version of the Quds 101 missile already
deployed by Jihad.
[On Sunday and Monday, Palestinian gunners fired four missiles into
Israel. There were no reports of injuries.]
Jihad said it has tested and begun production of its new missile. The
new weapon was said to measure 2.3 meters and capable of striking Ashkelon,
about 10 kilometers from the Gaza border.
Abu Hamza said Jihad,
which has also produced its first anti-aircraft weapon, would continue to
develop missile-launching capabilities. He did not elaborate.
Palestinian sources said missile programs have been hampered by poor
accuracy and lack of uniform quality. They said many of the missiles fired
toward Israel have landed in the Gaza Strip.
On Feb. 9, the Palestinian Human Rights Center reported that a
Palestinian rocket fired from the Gaza Strip struck a home in Beit Lahiya.
The center said the rocket traveled 300 meters and struck an empty home.
