Hamas Works to Fire Rockets Deeper into Israel

Hamas rocket makers spent months adjusting engine parts and conducting test flights into the sea before firing a missile into the center of Ashkelon, one of Israel's main cities, the Islamist group said on Thursday.

Abu Ubaida, spokesman for Hamas' armed wing, the Izz a-Din al-Qassam Brigades, said the goal now was to be able to fire rockets deeper into Israel, a state that Hamas is committed to destroy.

He said Hamas has its own rocket-making academy with classrooms and graduation ceremonies.