BICOM

Normal life remains on hold for Israeli civilians within 40km of Gaza, as schools are closed and public gatherings banned, while those further away experience frequent sirens and attacks. The IDF reported on Monday morning that over the last five days 546 rockets fired from Gaza have hit Israel, whilst the Iron Dome anti-missiles system had successfully intercepted 302, making a total of 848 rocket attacks fired from Gaza.

Over 100 rockets fell in southern Israeli cities throughout Sunday, including a 15-rockets fired at Ashdod and more at Ashkelon, Beerheva, Sderot and elsewhere. There were direct hits on houses in Beersheva and Ashkelon. An Israeli man was seriously wounded in Sha’ar Hanegev, and a couple and baby were among five wounded in a strike on Ofakim. Many people suffered from anxiety. Two Fajr 5 rockets were intercepted over the Tel Aviv area on Sunday, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Sunday night was relatively quiet, leading to hopes of a ceasefire, but early Monday morning attacks resumed, with sirens heard in Hof Ashkelon, Sha’ar Hanegev and Eshkol regional councils. Rocket landed in these areas and the IDF are investigating the possibility that some may have originated from Sinai.  A Grad rocket directly hit a house it the Ber Tuvia region, causing extensive damage. Another rocket was intercepted over the Tel Aviv area on Sunday morning.

Three Israelis have been killed so far and around 100 injured since the beginning of the operation.