Hamas’s military wing launched a drone above the skies of Gaza City during a parade on Sunday, increasing the Israeli Air Force’s alertness level.
The drone, which was locally manufactured, caused the air force to scramble jets to the area, Channel 2 reported. The drone is said to have carried the logo of the Qassam Brigades, the name of Hamas’s military wing.
The unmanned aircraft did not cross into Israeli airspace.
The drone activity was part of a larger demonstration celebrating the Hamas terror group’s 27th anniversary. Thousands attended the rally, including senior members of Hamas.
With weapons on full display, including the R-160 rockets which was fired towards Haifa during the summer’s war, members of the Hamas naval commando unit also put in an appearance.
At the rally, a senior Hamas leader reiterated the terror group’s commitment to destroying Israel. “This illusion called Israel will be removed. It will be removed at the hands of the Qassam Brigades,” said Khalil al-Hayya.
Abu Ubaida, a spokesman for the Qassam Brigade, said that confrontation with Israel would be inevitable unless Gaza is rebuilt following the summer conflict.
“We will accept no less than the rebuilding of everything that was destroyed by the savage Zionist aggression,” he stated.
“We warn of the moment of explosion which won’t be in the interest of the occupation,” he warned.
