10:15 IL: At least 25 rockets and mortar shells have been fired into southern Israeli community on Sunday morning, 26 Cheshvan 5773 as terrorists based in Gaza appear interested in escalating the situation in the region.

Israeli municipality leaders announced earlier that schools will remain open in an effort to maintain a normalcy of routine, this decision has since been reversed in many areas due to the alarming reality. Schools have since been closed in a number of areas including Sderot and Sapir College.

Sirens are now sounding in Sderot and the area of Kibbutz Nir Am and other schools will be compelled to follow suit if the rocket fire continue as it has been during the early morning hours. Four rockets have landed without injuries.

Despite the escalation in warfare there are no signs of infantry forces mobilizing in preparation for a major offensive nor have there been the familiar messages from senior cabinet ministers warning of a major operation.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)