Special report: Israel launches Gaza assault

    JERUSALEM, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz on Tuesday warned the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to enforce the cease-fire in Gaza Strip, saying that failure to do so could force a "fierce" Israeli response.

    Peretz made the remarks one day after Qassam rockets were fired into Israel despite the truce that went into effect on Sunday.

    In the wake of the Qassam rocket attacks launched from northern Gaza Strip Monday afternoon, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has altered its rules of engagement along the Israel-Gaza border, allowing troops to fire at rocket launchers.

    Two rockets, the first being fired in over 24 hours, landed in open area in the western Negev Monday afternoon, causing no injuries. A group identifying itself as the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, the military wing of Fatah, claimed responsibility.

    When the cease-fire first went into effect on Sunday, the Israeli forces were strictly forbidden from firing back. But as it became evident that the rocket fire was continuing, albeit on a smaller scale, the IDF changed the rules in order to prevent Israeli civilians from being harmed.

    Peretz told the cabinet on Monday that security forces remain on alert. "The terror organizations need to understand that we're not in a time-out," said Peretz. "We are still prepared for various reaction situation on their part."

    Peretz said he has instructed the IDF to establish liaison teams to assist PNA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas in deploying forces at Qassam-launching sites in an effort to prevent rocket fire.

    Israel and the Palestinian factions in Gaza officially began the cease-fire at 6 a.m. Sunday, following an agreement reached between Abbas and the Palestinian factions. Abbas called Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Saturday to inform him of the deal.