Gaza terrorists resume their rocket attacks on southern Israel at around 9:20 pm Tuesday night, triggering the Red Alert incoming rocket siren in the communities of Nir Am, Kissufim, and Ibim, as well as in the border city of Sderot.
At least four rockets were fired at Israel from Gaza; two of the projectiles were intercepted by the Iron Dome aerial defense system, making it clear they were headed for populated areas. Two other rockets landed in open areas around Kissufim, near the Gaza border.
The attack follows one that took place less than an hour after the completion of a security assessment convened Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Gaza terrorists again launched an attack on civilians in southern Israel, the third attack of the day, following the death of Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist Khader Anan after an 87-day hunger strike while in detention in an Israeli prison.
Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon reported that 12 victims of the attacks were treated at its hospital, including several for rocket fire-related trauma.
Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and other top defense and security officials decided during the assessment to authorize a “significant” retaliatory attack against the Gaza terrorists, who fired dozens of rockets at Israeli civilians over the course of the day.
In addition, it was decided to deploy Iron Dome batteries across the country, from north to south, in anticipation of more rocket fire, including possibly from Lebanon, across Israel’s northern border.
According to the IDF, Gaza terrorists fired at least six mortar shells at Israel, although some failed to clear the border and landed instead in Gaza. A number of others landed in the area of the security fence along Israel’s southern border.
The Red Alert incoming rocket siren activated in open areas only. No injuries were reported.
Earlier in the day, Gaza terrorists launched a barrage of 22 rockets at civilians living along Israel’s southern border; seven people were wounded in the attack and damage was reported in the city of Sderot, with vehicles and a construction site hit, along with a yard in a private home.
In the morning hours, Gaza terrorists fired three rockets and a mortar shell at Israeli territory.
”Israel will take this opportunity to attempt and restore deterrence with the Gaza factions, the retaliation will be widespread and disproportionate even if it will mean a possible round of fighting that will last number of days,” security officials told reporters following the assessment.
In addition, it was decided that Israel will not deliver the body of terrorist Khader Adnaan to the Palestinians – Israeli officials to media.
