5 rockets hit western Negev; none injured
Following IAF strike on Gaza, which left two Al-Aqsa Brigades' operatives dead, Strip's militants fire Qassam rockets at Negev, Beersheba
Retaliation: Five rockets were fired from northern Gaza at Israel Thursday evening. The fire came several hours after two Al-Aqsa Brigades' operatives were killed in an IAF strike in Gaza Strip.
A Grad rocket exploded on the outskirts of Beersheba and two other rockets hit an open area between the Sha'ar Hanegev and Sdot Negev regional councils. No injuries or damage were reported.
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The Color Red alert did not sound across the western Negev prior to the salvo, a fact which is now being investigated. The Color Red alert sounded in the greater Beersheba area prior to the Grad's explosion.
Then later two rockets fired from the northern Gaza Strip at the western Negev landed in open areas in the Ashkelon area. No injuries or damages were reported. Air raid sirens were heard in the area.
Earlier, the defense establishment directed the security coordinators at the Negev communities to be vigilant. Residents of the Gaza vicinity communities were asked to remain near their shelters over concerns that rockets will be fired on the area.
"We are on high alert since the strike and are following defense establishment directives," said Sderot Municipality security coordinator Kobi Herosh.
Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council Head Alon Shuster said that after the IAF strike, all farming operations near the border with the Gaza Strip were halted.
"Residents within seven kilometers from the security fence were directed to remain near their shelters," he said, adding: "Children will remain within the kindergarten shelters tomorrow and will not be allowed outside."
Bnei Shimon Local Council Head Sigal Moran said: "We hope their response is over, but we aren't counting on it.
"When we heard the news we realized we might not have a quiet night. We hope they don't start another round but from previous experience, it's usually more than one salvo."
Later Thursday,the Palestinian Ma'an news agency reported that Israeli Air force jets fired on the Zeitoun area of Gaza City.
The news agency reported that IDF artillery was fired at the area and that drones were circling the region. No injuries were reported.
Roee Nahmias contributed to this report
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