Most Ashdod summer camp programs are taking place on scheduled. However Ashdod City Hall was compelled to shut a number of chareidi summer programs for the latter were to be held in non-fortified buildings. In light of the over 110 rockets launched into southern Israel over recent days, City Hall in consultation with IDF commanders decided it cannot permit gatherings of children in non-fortified areas. Sirens sounded in many areas on Sunday morning 8 Tammuz, well past Israel’s announced 48-hour deadline to stop rocket fire.

There is an increasingly audible voice from the cabinet room calling for taking out Gaza as the rocket attacks intensify. This includes Ministers Naftali Bennett, Uri Ariel, Dr. Yuval Steinitz and others.

Israel continues to release warning messages to Gaza in the hope a military offensive can be avoided. However Hamas appears determined to drag the IDF back into Gaza as the rocket attacks continue despite stern Israeli warnings.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)