There have been additional rocket and mortar shell attacks in southern Israel during the past 30 minutes. Sirens were heard in Bnei Shimon, Ofakim and Beersheva as well as the Gaza border communities. There are no reports of injuries or damage in the latest round of attacks.

The al-Quds faction of the Islamic Jihad is claiming responsibility for firing five Katyusha rockets into Ashdod, stating the attacks were in retaliation for the deaths of five terrorists in an IAF surgical strike on Shabbos.

Police Chief Yochanan Danino is en route to Ashdod to get an up close look at the situation. An emergency meeting will be held in Ashdod City Hall at 21:00.

Officials in Gan Yavne have announced schools will be closed tomorrow, Sunday, 2 Cheshvan as a result of the rocket attacks.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)