Sirens heard at 06:30 on Monday morning 16 Tammuz in the Ashdod were not caused by rockets from Gaza but by a drone, a Hamas remote controlled pilotless aircraft that infiltrated from Gaza. The craft was detected and eliminated in midair by a Patriot missile fired from the center of the country.

Hamas admitted to sending the drone, claiming it sent a few over the border, more than 60km (36 miles) from Gaza. The navy was instructed to respond.

There were unsubstantiated reports that the drone was laden with explosives but this has not been confirmed by official sources. Israel has been on alert for such an eventuality, aware of Hamas’ capabilities and the terror organizations determination to perpetrate a quality attack.

However, for Hamas is was a success for the terror organization once again made good on its threat and exhibited an expanding military capability in its ongoing war with Israel.

B’chasdei Hashem, most of Hamas’ efforts during Operation Protective Edge have failed.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)