Three additional rockets have landed south of Ashkelon and in Sderot in the last half hour. Baruch Hashem there was no report of injuries or damage. The Iron Dome system is operating in Beersheva and Ashdod, and one incoming rocket was intercepted, Israel Radio reported at 22:00.

Dozens of rockets and mortar shells have been fired at southern Israel since the afternoon hours. Magen David Adom teams treated a total of 20 victims from attacks, including six with shrapnel and smoke inhalation injuries and 14 hysteria victims. Two victims were transported to Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon and one is listed in moderate-to-serious condition and the second light. Five victims were transported to Kaplan Hospital in Rechovot, including one in moderate condition with shrapnel injuries and two in light condition, also with shrapnel, two with smoke inhalation [also listed as light], one of which being a 10-week old infant.

The Natal Hotline for victims of anxiety and hysteria resulting from rocket attacks is operating. That number is 1-800-363-363.

Schools will be closed on Sunday in all schools within 40 kilometers (24 miles) of the Gaza border, including higher education. The exception is communities located within 7 kilometers of the border, where they have sufficient safe rooms and fortified schools to accommodate the current security situation.

IDF Homefront Command Southern District Commander Colonel Doron Mor-Yosef says that this appears to be the beginning of increased warfare and it is too early to know just how long it will last. The commander announced that all gatherings of 500 or more people have been canceled. In the event of a siren, people are instructed to run to safe rooms or the nearest shelter. In one’s home is not equipped with such an option, one should head for a stairwell. If one is in a vehicle, stop and get out and lie on the ground with hands over one neck/head, and remain this way for 10 seconds.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is receiving constant updates on the situation in southern Israel.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)