ALBAWABA - A volley of rockets fired by Palestinian resistance organizations against the Israeli towns of Ashkelon and Ashdod on Sunday night caused serious property damage and several casualties. The intensification occurs while Israeli military operations in Gaza continue.
According to the military branch of Hamas, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the strikes were carried out in revenge for what it called "massacres committed by the Zionist regime against civilians in Gaza."
Israeli media reported that at least three persons were hurt in Ashkelon. Emergency medical personnel were sent to many sites where missile pieces had hit, and one person had minor injuries. In Ashkelon, the missile strike destroyed several neighboring structures and cars, according to Channel 12.
According to the Israeli military, around 10 rockets were fired from Gaza, most of which were stopped by the Iron Dome defensive system. A few missiles went down in populous areas in spite of the interceptions.
All around southern Israel, including Ashdod, Ashkelon, and the southern suburbs of Tel Aviv, sirens were triggered. As the warnings sounded, the Israeli Home Front Command advised citizens to take cover.
According to emergency medical personnel, a number of people were injured during the rocket fire as they fled to shelters. Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, which had not previously seen any military activity, is said to have been the launch site for the missiles.
As international demands for de-escalation continue to fuel tensions between Israeli and Palestinian sides, the increased rocket firing represents a major step in the continuing war.
