Hamas militants fire rockets at Israel after calling off truce

Despite Israel8217;s attacks and Hamas pressure on President Mahmoud Abbas to hold off on a planned referendum on establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel, the Palestinian leader was expected to announce later today a decree to hold the vote on July 31. In the hours before the announcement, new violence erupted between gunmen loyal to Abbas and Hamas8217; militia. Hamas also claimed responsibility today for firing at Israel at least 15 rockets, as well as a barrage of mortar bombs. The attacks caused no casualties.

8216;8216;The earthquake in the Zionist towns will start again and the aggressors will have no choice but to prepare their coffins or their luggage,8217;8217; the Hamas militants said in a leaflet. 8216;8216;The resistance groups 8230; will choose the proper place and time for the tough, strong and unique response.8217;8217;

Israel8217;s artillery attack on Friday was part of a wider aerial and artillery bombardment of suspected Palestinian rocket-launching sites that killed a total of 10 people.

SARAH EL DEEB 038; IBRAHIM BARZAK