Palestinian gunners have fired at least five Grad variants into Israel.
But the sources said this was the longest flight of a Palestinian missile
and reflected enhanced capability.
"We believe the Palestinians have dozens of Grads or variants," a
military source said. "They are being careful in not showing their
capabilities."
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command, a
Syrian-sponsored group, claimed responsibility. But the Israeli military has
identified Hamas as behind the Grad attack.
In response, the Israeli military sent fixed-wing aircraft and
helicopters to attack Palestinian positions in the Gaza Strip. Up to nine
Palestinians were said to have been killed over the last day.
"The IDF carried out an aerial attack against a post of the Hamas
terrorist organization in the southern Gaza Strip," an Israeli military
statement said on Thursday. "The attack was carried out following the
continuous launching of Kassam rockets and mortar shells at Israeli
communities in the western Negev, including the 122 mm Grad type Katyusha
rocket that hit the city of Ashkelon this morning."
The military sources assessed that Hamas fired the Grad after
consultations with Iran and Hizbullah. Hamas and Hizbullah were said to have
met in Beirut on late Jan. 2.
"Hamas wants to establish deterrence," another military source said.
"Hamas also wants to increase military presence in West Bank."
