'Massive' rocket attack launched on Israel

The Damsel in Distress has impeccable timing. Precisely when they don't get what they want from the US elections, Israel hauls off and whacks six Palestinians, drawing a 'massive' rocket attack in retaliation that causes no damage or injuries, but which generates some useful headlines in the world press. - Ed.

Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip fired more than 35 rockets towards Israel today, the army and the Islamist group said, hours after the Israeli army killed six militants in the coastal territory.

An Israeli police spokesman said the rockets landed in southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries.

Hamas claimed responsibility for the attacks, the first such announcement by the Islamist group since an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire with Israel went into effect on June 19.

Palestinian officials said they had been informed by Israel that all commercial border crossings with the Gaza Strip would remain closed on Wednesday in response to the rocket attacks.

Israeli airstrikes killed five militants and Israeli soldiers shot dead a gunman during an incursion into the Gaza Strip on Tuesday.

Read full story