After Israel vows massive blow, Hamas holds fire
A quiet night passed over Israel’s south on Monday night and Gaza-based terrorists did not launch rockets at Israel after the Israeli government promised a crushing blow if they attacked again.
IDF presence in Gaza Envelop. Gaza Envelope, Aug 25, 2020. Photo by Eitan Elhadez-Barak/TPS
The Gaza envelope is a term used to describe the populated areas of Israel that are within 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) of the Gaza border
Gazan terrorists launched a total of 46 rockets at Israeli towns in the south for three consecutive nights, while the IDF responded only in a minor fashion.
The Security Cabinet convened Monday to discuss escalation in the south, and the Cabinet ministers approved a significant and powerful plan of action targeting Hamas, should the shooting continue.
The security Cabinet also authorized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Benny Gantz to launch a military campaign, if required.
Israeli officials stated that Israel was not seeking an escalation, but is prepared to act if the attacks continued.
Apparently heeding the Israeli warning, Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, ensured that no attacks were perpetrated against Israel.
However, tensions remained high Tuesday as Hamas has promised a further escalation toward the end of the Muslim month of Ramadan.
Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal threatened that the 28th day of the Muslim month of Ramadan, on May 9, will be the turning point in the “great battle against the Judaization and control of Jerusalem, and the attempt to divide the use of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
The 28th day of Ramadan coincides with Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, in which Israel celebrates the liberation and unification of Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War.
The 28th day of Ramadan marks the “Lil al-Qadr”, the most sensitive night in Ramadan with deep religious significance, in which the angel Gabriel brought down the Quran and opened the gates of heaven for prayers, according to the Islamic faith.
