WarSclerotic

Gaza rocket fire continues during Egypt PM’s visit – Israel News, Ynetnews.

Dozens of rockets continue to hit southern communities during Egyptian PM Hesham Kandil’s visit to Gaza, nixing hopes for a lull; IAF strikes Hamas commander’s home in Rafah

Yoav Zitun, Roi Kais

As Operation Pillar of Defense entered its third day, Gaza terror groups continued to fire rockets on southern Israeli communities. The IDF struck hundreds of targets in Gaza overnight and on Friday morning.

At least 12 rockets and mortar shells exploded in the Eshkol Regional Council after Egyptian Prime Minister Hesham Kandil arrived in Gaza, nixing hopes for a lull. Two rockets exploded in the city of Kiryat Gat. Meanwhile, two rockets that were fired towards Gan Yavne and Hof Ashkelon were intercepted by the Iron Dome. Dozens of rockets were launched on Friday morning and the count continues to climb.

Earlier Friday, two Grad rockets exploded in Ashdod, with one hitting a house’s yard. Several people suffered panic attacks, and great damage was caused on the scene. Another rocket hit a house in the Shaar Hanegev Regional Council, causing considerable damage and igniting a fire. No injuries were immediately reported.

Rocket damage in Ashdod (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

Meanwhile, rockets continued to fall the Eshkol and Bnei Shimon regional councils, and air raid sirens sounded in Beersheba, Sderot, Ofakim and other towns in the vicinity. The Iron Dome intercepted several rockets fired on Beersheba and Ashkelon.

Some 250 terrorist targets, including underground launching pads, were hit in Gaza since Thursday night. An interior ministry building was bombed, according to Palestinian sources.

Numerous mushroom clouds were seen over Gaza at around 6 am, mostly in the areas from which the Palestinians fire their rockets. No injuries have been reported as of yet.

Rocket damage in Shaar Hanegev (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

Palestinian sources said that IDF jets twice bombed a civil service building belonging to the interior ministry in the Tel al-Awa neighborhood. It was reported that a fire was ranging at the site.

According to another Palestinian report, the IAF bombed a top Hamas military operative’s house. It wasn’t immediately clear whether he was hit. It was further reported that a Hamas naval police station in Dir al-Balah in central Gaza was bombed.

Another report said that the IAF had struck a generator in the Shati refugee camp, not far from Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh’s home.

Some 20 Palestinians have been killed and 180 were injured since the beginning of the operation.

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