Israeli Military Confirms Rocket Strike Outside Jerusalem

The Israeli military confirmed Friday that a militant-fired rocket from Gaza struck outside Jerusalem, the first time the holy city has been targeted since 1970.

"Confirmed: A rocket fired from Gaza struck outside Jerusalem, Israel's capital city," an Israeli military spokesperson tweeted.

According to Haaretz, Hamas claimed they were targeting the Knesset, Israel's government building.

At 50 miles away from the Gaza border, Jerusalem was thought to be beyond the range of Gaza rocket attacks, according to the Associated Press.

"We are sending a short and simple message: There is no security for any Zionist on any single inch of Palestine and we plan more surprises," Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida told the AP.

Air raid sirens sounded throughout the capital and residents said they heard an explosion. The rocket reportedly landed in an open area just south of the city. No casualties were reported.

​This post has been updated.