Israel preparing for possible reoccupation of parts of Gaza

Israel could reoccupy parts of the Gaza Strip if the Hamas-led government does not halt Palestinian rocket fire from the area, a senior military commander said.

Maj. Gen. Yoav Galant, head of Israel’s southern command, said he was considering a range of options, including the possibility of re-entering Gaza.

“We’re talking about more aggressive military activity, ranging from where we were before (the Hamas government) to a possible reality where we need to go into the Gaza Strip for short or long periods if the situation continues to escalate,” Galant said.

Israel withdrew from Gaza last summer after 38 years of military occupation.

Since the pullout, Palestinian militants have continued to fire home-made rockets into southern Israel on a daily basis.

Although Hamas has been observing a truce with Israel, it has said it will not prevent other groups from carrying out attacks. Israel says it holds Hamas responsible for the violence.