Israel intercepts rocket from Gaza ahead of decision on possible reoccupation

JERUSALEM, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military said it intercepted a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip on Thursday, hours before the country's cabinet was about to discuss a possible reoccupation of the Palestinian enclave.

The rocket triggered warning sirens in the community of Nir Am, near Gaza, with no injuries reported.

"One projectile that crossed from the northern Gaza Strip into Israeli territory was intercepted by the Israel Air Force," the military said in a statement.

Israel unilaterally withdrew its settlers and troops from the territory in 2005. The cabinet was expected on Thursday to discuss a phased plan to reoccupy vast new areas of the Gaza Strip, potentially over five months.

Rockets from the embattled enclave, where famine has been unfolding, have become rare as Israeli forces continue their offensive, leaving Gaza in ruins. Israeli strikes have killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health authorities. ■