Hamas terrorists train for rocket attacks
Hamas terrorists train for rocket attacksIsrael news photo: Flash 90

Four Israel civilians suffered shrapnel wounds from rockets fired by Gaza terrorists during the Sunday morning rush hour to school and work.

All of the victims were evacuated to Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva, where they are being treated for light injuries. One of the victims was wounded in Sderot, located less than a mile from the northern tip of Gaza, and at least two of the others were in the Eshkol region, due east of Gaza. 

Dozens of others suffered emotional shock and trauma.                 

Color Red sirens, which warn of incoming rockets, give residents only 15 seconds to run for cover. Further north from the Gaza Belt, the Iron Dome system Saturday night downed two missiles, which may have been Katyushas. Several parents anticipated an escalation in terror rocket attacks and ran for shelters with mattresses and blankets.

The Israeli military retaliation has killed an Islamic Jihad terrorist, 20-year-old Mohammed Shwikani, in one of several aerial strikes following the Kornet anti-tank missile that blew up an IDF jeep Saturday night.

Foreign media described the Islamic Jihad terrorist as a “militant” while local Palestinian Authority media said civilian youth were among six people who were reported to have been killed.

The army confirmed it had attacked seven different targets overnight, including arms dumps, a weapons-making facility and two rocket-launching sites "in response to recent events." At least 36 rockets were fired as of 9 a.m. Sunday.

Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe Ya’alon warned Hamas that the IDF will carry out more severe measures if it does not restrain terrorists.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak told Army Radio hinted on Sunday that the IDF will may enter Gaza if Hamas does not stop the attacks. He said the war is over the security fence where the IDF patrols to protect southern Israel from missile strikes.

"The essence of the struggle is over the fence. We intend to enable the IDF to work not just on our side but on the other side as well.” Barak said.