The Israeli army has reported that a domestically-manufactured rocket was launched from the city of Jenin, located in the occupied northern West Bank, in the direction of neighboring Israeli settlements. The missile exploded within Palestinian territories, and no injuries were reported.
In a statement issued on Monday, an Israeli army spokesperson stated: “A rocket was fired this morning from the Jenin area that exploded within Palestinian territories, posing no threat to settlements in the region.”
The statement further clarified that the Israeli army has initiated search operations in the region.
This marks the first time a locally-made rocket has been launched from within Palestinian territories towards Israeli settlements. Israeli media outlets have warned that the rocket launch signifies a qualitative and dangerous development in the capabilities of Palestinian factions, especially since it resembles the rockets launched from the Gaza Strip.
Palestinians have circulated a video on social media documenting the launch of a “Qassam 1” rocket from an open area in Jenin towards the Israeli agricultural village (moshav) “Ram-On”, located on the Gilboa Mountains surrounding Jenin.
The video clip shows at least two rockets placed on two launch pads set up in an agricultural land. A sign next to the rockets reads: “Bombing the settlements of Jenin envelope in Marj Ibn Amer with Qassam 1 rockets. Monday, June 26, 2023. The Bank is the shield of Jerusalem, greater things to come.”
