Why Hamas wants to distance itself from recent rocket launch
Although no Gaza faction claimed responsibility for the rocket that recently hit southern Israel, some Palestinians believe it was launched by Hamas or Islamic Jihad to deliver a message to Israel without getting Gaza dragged into a major confrontation.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — On Oct. 17, a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit an Israeli house in Beersheba, in southern Israel, causing significant damage. Yet, surprisingly, none of the Palestinian factions claimed responsibility for the rocket launch. Despite these factions previously having deemed attacks on southern Israel as justified "national action," they sought to distance themselves this time, raising questions as to why.
In a joint statement posted on the website of Hamas’ armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, on the same day, Hamas and the Islamic Jihad denounced the rocket. They claimed it was an attempt to undermine the Egyptian efforts to bring about a truce between the Gaza Strip and Israel.
