Everett, Wash.
Published: Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Israel postpones soccer games because of missile strike

Associated Press

 JERUSALEM -- Israel postponed all soccer games Wednesday, two days after a missile fired by Hamas militants hit a team's field just before practice.

Minutes before the players of the third-division team were about to begin training at Hapoel Ashkelon's stadium Monday a rocket exploded in the penalty area. The postponement was made by Israel's Football Association.

Israel began a military campaign against Hamas five days ago in response to rocket attacks launched at Israeli towns from the Gaza Strip. About 380 Palestinians and four Israelis have been killed. One person was killed when Hamas fired a rocket on Ashkelon this week.
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