Iron Dome in action
Iron Dome in actionFlash 90

The Iron Dome anti-missile defense system shot down a rocket Thursday night as it was in the air from Gaza, on its way towards the coastal city of Ashkelon.

Right before the Iron Dome shot down the rocket, "Color Red" warning sirens were heard in the city.

The rocket attack comes after another missile was fired from Gaza earlier on Thursday, exploding in the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council area in the northwestern Negev without causing any damage or injuries.

Earlier on Thursday, Hamas spokesperson Sami abu Zuhri said at a Gaza press conference that Hamas is ready to “unleash the fires of hell on the occupation.”

The IDF placed Iron Dome anti-missile defense units on the coastal region near Ashdod and Tel Aviv on Wednesday, in anticipation that terror activity from Gaza may flare up soon in order to support the Hamas kidnappers of the three Israeli teens abducted last Thursday.

There has been a steady trickle of rocket fire, with Gaza terrorists launching rockets at Israel on Wednesday, prompting an IAF airstrike on terror targets in retaliation. The rockets have been regularly pouring in since the kidnapping last week.