WarSclerotic

9 Beersheba rockets intercepted; bus hit – Israel News, Ynetnews.

Heavy barrage fired at south: Iron Dome intercepts at least 9 rockets fired at Beersheba, others land in city. One rocket explodes near bus, which sustains shrapnel damage

Ynet reporters

A heavy barrage of rockets was fired at Israel‘s south Tuesday morning as reports about an imminent ceasefire continued to surface.

The Iron Dome system intercepted at least nine rockets fired at Beersheba since 7:30 am. Three grads landed in the city. One of the rockets landed near a bus, which sustained shrapnel damage. No injuries were reported. Another rocket damaged a vehicle and a third hit a soccer field. A Grad landed in an urban area in Ofakim. A rocket fired at Ashkelon was also intercepted.

The forum of nine leading ministers convened Monday night to discuss the Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire that would end Operation Pillar of Defense against terrorists in Gaza. Israel has agreed not to launch a ground offensive until the negotiations are exhausted. The meeting ended at 4 am but no official statement has been issued.

Bus hit by shrapnel in Beersheba (Photo: Vitali Kinklin)

Meanwhile, al-Arabiya reported that Israel and the Palestinian factions are expected to sign a ceasefire agreement within a matter of hours. It was also reported that preparations for the signing are already underway in Cairo. The report could not be confirmed by any other source.

According to al-Arabiya, Israel asked Egypt to play the role of mediator during a 24-48- hour ceasefire before the final agreement is signed. Sources told the network that the agreement includes the lifting of the Gaza blockade and the opening of various crossings.

Islamic bank in Gaza hit in IAF strike (Photo: AFP)

Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi will vouch for the deal. An Israeli state official said Tuesday that the “IDF will continue to act with force in the Gaza Strip. Before deciding about a ground invasion (Prime Minister) Netanyahu intends to exhaust the diplomatic route in order to explore the possibility of a prolonged ceasefire.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with the German foreign minister and other world leaders on Tuesday. “Israel intends to achieve its goals without a ground offensive but if the way to protecting Israeli citizens is through a land invasion – that’s what we’ll do.”

At midnight sirens sounded in Ofakim and the Eshkol regional Council. The rockets exploded in open areas. No injuries or damage were reported.

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