Palestinians fire rocket at southern Israel

Palestinians on Sunday night fired a rocket from the Gaza Strip at southern Israel. The rocket fell in a field in the Eshkol region and caused neither casualties nor damage. Security personnel were searching for the impact site.

The attack comes in the wake of an announcement by the US that long-dormant peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority are set to resume.

Hamas was quick to denounce the decision to resume talks, describing them as a “disaster.” The Gaza rulers have in the past attacked Israelis in order to derail diplomatic efforts.

Rocket fire from the Gaza Strip has mostly tapered off since November, in the wake of an eight-day offensive launched by Israel to stem the missile volleys.

Much attention in the area has shifted to the Sinai desert over the few weeks, where militants and Egyptian security forces have been locked in intense battles since the ouster of president Mohammed Morsi.