Rocket from Egypt lands in Israel amid border tensions

Rocket from Egypt lands in Israel amid border tensions
Following two deadly church bombings, Israel has closed its Taba border with Egypt in fear of imminent attacks from Sinai's IS affiliate.
1 min read
10 April, 2017
Israel has closed its border with Egypt [AFP]

A rocket fired from the Sinai peninsula landed in southern Israel on Monday, with tensions high in the area following two deadly church bombings in Egypt.

The rocket landed in the Eskhol regional council, causing no injuries or damage, Israel's army said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but it was likely perpetrated by the Islamic State's Sinai affiliate.

In an unprecedented move, Israel closed its Taba border with Egypt earlier on Monday, fearing imminent attacks from the militant group.

It will be closed until the end of the Jewish Passover holiday, which ends next week. Thousands of Israelis normally travel to Egypt's Sinai for the holiday.

The restive Sinai peninsula has long been a site for militant attacks against the Egyptian state. 

Since the 2013 coup, attacks have increased significantly, with Egyptian President Abd al-Fattah al-Sisi launching large-scale military operations to quell the unrest. 

Egypt has been accused of using heavy-handed tactics in the region, including the use of curfews, house demolitions, and extra-judicial executions.