Gaza terrorists wounded five civilians in a mortar attack on the Eshkol region at midday Thursday. There were at least two explosions in the area, according to News 10 TV. One of the mortars struck an electricity pole, causing widespread power outtages in the region as well as injuries.
The other mortar struck a home in a kibbutz, also in the Eshkol region.
Two people suffered moderate wounds and were airlifted by helicopter to Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah. Three other people were lightly wounded and were evacuated by Magen David Adom ambulances to Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva.
Both attacks came during the "humanitarian ceasefire" period in which Israel agreed to suspend military operations in Gaza, which runs from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The ceasefire was arranged in order to enable Gaza residents to stock up on medicines and food supplies from international humanitarian aid organizations.
Also during the "ceasefire" four rockets struck Sderot, at around 2:00 p.m. No one was injured in the attacks, but one of the rockets struck a children's playground which was empty at the time. Two people who were passing by were treated for severe emotional trauma.
At least three different communities in the Eshkol region were also hit by rocket and mortar attacks on Thursday. Rockets also exploded in the Sha'ar HaNegev region, but there were no reports of injuries or damage in any of those attacks.
At least 20 rockets have struck southern Israel thus far on Thursday.