Last update - 00:00 23/06/2007
Report: IDF believes Hamas has rockets that can reach Ashkelon
By Yuval Azoulay, Haaretz Correspondent
The Israel Defense Forces intelligence branch believes that Hamas has several rockets that can reach any point in Ashkelon, Channel 2 TV news said this weekend.
According to the television, a recent report also states that Hamas have anti-aircraft missiles which could hit any aircraft that flies over the Gaza Strip.
The report also stated that in the last year the Hamas have managed to smuggle over 40 tons of explosives through the Rafah crossing that they could attach to the Qassam rockets, creating a much deadlier weapon.
A military official told Haaretz this weekend that the fact that the Rafah crossing is being controlled by Hamas following its takeover of Gaza only adds to the concern that Hamas is continuing to arm itself.
According to the data in the report, Hamas have 50 rockers with a range of 22 kilometers. These rockets would be able to hit Ashkelon from the heart of Gaza, a fact that has defense officials concerned that a possible conflict between the IDF and Hamas may lead to the firing of these rockets.
An additional threat that is addressed in the report is Hamas' anti-aircraft missiles capabilities. According to the report, the Hamas has roughly 20 'Strella" anti-aircraft missiles.