US strongly condemns rocket attack on Israel

WASHINGTON — The United States strongly condemned a rocket attack Friday on Israel from southern Lebanon, a US State Department spokesman said.

"We strongly condemn these attacks which were in clear violation of the cessation of hostilities called for in UNSC (UN Security Council) resolution 1701," said Assistant Secretary of State PJ Crowley.

He said the incident "highlights the urgent need to put arms in Lebanon under control of the state and the need for the international community to remain fully committed on supporting UNIFIL which is the UN mission in Lebanon."

Several rockets fired from southern Lebanon slammed into Israel on Friday, prompting Israel to fire artillery rounds across the border in retaliation, the Israeli military said.

The Lebanese army said the village of Al-Qlaileh was hit and ambulances were rushed from the port city of Tyre, nine kilometres (five miles) away.

A Lebanese security official said two rockets were fired earlier from the village, 15 kilometres (10 miles) from the border. No one immediately claimed responsibility.

In Israel, police said they found debris from Katyusha rockets near the northern city of Nahariya, while witnesses said they heard explosions. Link...