Palestinians fire 47 rockets at South; 3 hurt
By JPOST.COM STAFF
LAST UPDATED: 11/11/2012 11:02
Terrorists launch over 75 rockets, mortars from Gaza in 24 hours.
Photo: REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fired at least 47 rockets and mortars into Israel since midnight Saturday night, injuring three civilians. The barrage continued a serious escalation that began Saturday evening and progressed through the night, with two IAF air strikes targeting a weapons manufacturing site, two weapons storage facilities and two rocket launching sites in the northern part of the territory.
Municipalities near the southern border canceled school on Sunday amid the ongoing rocket fire.
The fresh launches bring the total number of rocket and mortar attacks to over 75. Hamas announced that it was also taking part in the rocket attacks, Israel Radio reported.
The three wounded Israelis suffered light to moderate injuries from shrapnel, and were evacuated to the Soroka and Barzilai hospitals. Damage was also done to a factory, a vehicle and an electrical post.
Top Israeli officials commented on the escalation Sunday morning, promising increased IDF activity to protect Israeli citizens. Prime Minister Binyamin
Netanyahu warned that Israel will escalate its responses to the rocket attacks, while Defense Minister Ehud Barak told Army Radio that Israel must ensure freedom of operations for the IDF.
Palestinian news agency Ma'an reported two members of the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization were killed and seven Palestinians were injured in the bombings overnight. A total of 6 Palestinians have been killed since the fighting began over the weekend.
Since Saturday, Palestinian rockets triggered air raid sirens in Beersheba Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gan Yavne and smaller communities. At least nine long-range rockets were included in the barrage, landing at Beersheba Ashkelon, Ashdod, Sderot, the Eshkol Regional Council area and the Be'er Tuviya area.
Islamic Jihad features new launcher, fires three rockets in quick succession
The Iron Dome anti-rocket system intercepted at least two rocket headed for Ashdod and Beersheba.
Palestinians fire anti-tank missile at IDF patrol
