The media on Tuesday, 19 Adar 5772, reported on the cessation in warfare between Israel and Gaza, the temporary unofficial ceasefire. While the halt in fighting was taking place terrorists in Gaza fired over 6 rockets into the Eshkol Regional Council district during the morning hours. There were reports of damage but Baruch Hashem there were no injuries or worse.

The afternoon was quiet. At 22:30 a Grad katyusha rocket was fired, landing in a parking lot of a residential complex in Netivot. Once again, the hand of Hashem was evident as there were no serious injuries or fatalities. One person was listed in light condition with shrapnel injuries from the rocket and 20 others were treated for varying levels of hysteria. There was considerable damage to the area and vehicles as well.

According to military officials, over 12 rockets were fired into Israel in the first 32 hours of the Egyptian-brokered cessation of warfare. This includes mortar shells, Kassam rockets and Grad katyushas.

The response was two air force sorties over Gaza and distribution of flyers that the IDF will not tolerate continued attacks during the night.

Schools reopened Wednesday, 20 Adar, permitting over 200,000 children to return to their classrooms in Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gan Yavne, Beersheva and other municipalities. In Netivot and other areas however, not all the students will be returning. An estimated 40% of the parents are unwilling to place their children at risk, instructing them to remain home to see what today brings.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)