Ashkelon
AshkelonIsrael news photo: Flash 90

Life continued as usual in the city of Ashkelon on Tuesday despite a rocket attack in the morning, Mayor Benny Vaknin said.

“Schools are open as usual, and the city is operating according to routine,” he told Army Radio (Galei Tzahal).

However, he said, “We have our hand on the pulse. We’re in close touch with the army, and we have increased our level of alert in the city.”

“According to the reports there is no change in direction, or plan to turn up the heat in the area,” he added. “Things need to calm down.”

The rocket attack was the first of its kind for months. Gaza terrorists had held their fire since the ceasefire deal that ended the Pillar of Defense counter-terror operation in Gaza in late 2012.

Terrorists fired two rockets, one of which hit the city but failed to cause injury. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack.

The rocket fired was an upgraded M-75.

The attack was apparently a show of support for rioters in Judea and Samaria. Several riots broke out in recent days over the death of a terrorist imprisoned in Israel. The Palestinian Authority has accused Israel of murdering the 30-year-old man, who died of a heart attack.