Peretz tells IDF to prevent rockets, but uphold truce By Nir Hasson, Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel and Aluf Benn, Haaretz Correspondents and Israel Radio

Defense Minister Amir Peretz on Thursday ordered military and defense establishment officials to take action to prevent Qassam fire without bringing about a collapse of the cease-fire in effect since last month.

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday fired six Qassam rockets at Israel, two of which landed in the center of the Western Negev town of Sderot.

The first strike on the city, which occurred in the early evening, shattered some windows on a local structure, and several people were treated for shock. Another rocket fired shortly afterward also hit an area in the center of town, sending pieces of shrapnel flying into a bus. Three people were taken to hospital due to ringing in their ears.

Islamic Jihad confirmed firing the rocket in a phone call to The Associated Press in Gaza.