Israel attacks Hamas site in Gaza.

The attack - the first since Operation Protective Edge - was launched after a rocket was fired into Israel earlier on Friday. Hamas warns Israel against further attacks.

The Israel Air Force attacked a Hamas installation in the Gaza Strip Friday night after a rocket was launched from the coastal enclave into Israel earlier on Friday.

This is the first Israeli attack in Gaza since the war between the Strip and Israel this summer, dubbed Operation Protective Edge by the Israel military.

The Palestinian news agency Ma'an reported that an Israeli aircraft fired rockets at a military installation northwest of Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip. According to the report no-one was injured in the attack.

According to the Palestinians, the attack caused a blackout in several areas in the Strip.

The IDF said that the attack was launched in response to a rocket that was fired on Friday from Gaza and exploded in an open area in Eshkol Regional Council in southern Israel, close to the Gaza border. No injuries or damage were reported in this incident.

Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, IDF Spokesman: "The IDF will not permit any attempt to undermine the security and jeopardize the well being of the civilians of Israel. The Hamas terrorist organization is responsible and accountable for today's attack against Israel."

Haim Yelin, the head of the council, said that "whoever thinks that military deterrence is the route to peace and quiet for the Gaza bordering regions doesn't understand that wars are won by diplomats...

"After Protective Edge, the state had a unique opportunity to bring about a long-term settlement. But instead we find ourselves with a ticking clock until the next round of escalation, and the next war."

Hamas issued a statement on Saturday warning Israel against further attacks in the Gaza Strip, terming Friday's air strike a "stupid act," and a serious escalation and breach of the calm between the Palestinian factions and Israel.

Hamas called on the international community to act against Israel to stop the aggression against the Palestinian people.

This is was first rocket fired at Israel since a rocket exploded in a field in Eshkol, near the border, on November 1, and the third projectile fired at Israel since this summer's Operation Protective Edge.



20/12/2014 en HAARETZ.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.632798