IDF identifies four rocket launch tests from Gaza into sea in past 24 hours

Army says the launches suggest that "Gaza terrorists are experimenting in order to increase rocket launching capabilities."

By BEN HARTMAN
A smoke trail is seen as a rocket is launched from the northern Gaza Strip towards Israel July 16, 2014. (photo credit: REUTERS)
A smoke trail is seen as a rocket is launched from the northern Gaza Strip towards Israel July 16, 2014.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
For the fourth time in 24 hours a rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip into the Mediterranean Sea, the IDF Spokesman’s Office said.
This suggests that “Gaza terrorists are experimenting in order to increase rocket-launching capabilities,” the army said.
Navy officials have said that Hamas fires rockets into the sea every few days as part of an ongoing project to upgrade their weapons. The launches are meant to test a number of projectile models.
On a number of occasions last month, Color Red rocket-warning sirens went off in Gaza border communities, sending residents fleeing for shelter for the first time since the end of the summer’s 50-day war with Hamas.