Israeli President Shimon Peres. Photo: David Shankbone.

Many of Israel’s students return to school this week, however on Monday, residents were on high alert in the southern part of the country as 3 rockets fired from the Gaza Strip landed inside Israel, prompting President Shimon Peres to issue a stark warning to Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza.

“Hamas needs to know that there will be strong repercussions from Israel if it persists in firing rockets at Israeli children,” Peres said, while speaking at Sha’ar Hanegev Technological High School, which opened this morning.

2 rockets fell near Sha’ar Hanegev, which has been constructed to withstand rocket fire from Gaza due to the school’s location and the consistent flow of Palestinian rockets flying over the border.

Peres told the schoolchildren that Israelis were proud of them for attending classes in the face of constant danger, while also conveying a blunt message to Hamas and other Gaza groups.

“If they fire, we will fire.  Hamas and all terrorist organizations affiliated with Hamas in Gaza will pay the price for trying to harm innocent people and disrupt the opening of the school year in communities surrounding the Gaza Strip,” he said.

No injuries were reported on Monday following the rocket attacks.