Two Israelis were wounded on Monday night when terrorists fired a mortar shell on a town in the Sha'ar HaNegev region. Both victims are listed in moderate condition.
A second attack on the Sha'ar HaNegev region did not cause injuries or damage.
Terrorists fired four Grad missiles at the city of Ashkelon a short time after the Sha'ar HaNegev strike. Loud explosions were heard in the city. No injuries have been reported at this time.
Gaza terrorists fired over 35 rockets, missiles and mortar shells at Israeli towns on Monday, wounding five people and damaging several buildings, including a daycare center.
Maariv reported Monday that the heavy shelling has prevented parents of premature babies from getting vital vaccinations for their children. Approximately 150 babies and young toddlers who were born prematurely must receive a vaccine protecting them from the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but have been unable to do so.
The organization Lahav (L'maan HaPagim B'Israel), a group providing support to families of prematurely born children, is in contact with Israel's major health service providers in an attempt to find a solution for the babies.
Heavy Fire in Gaza
Witnesses on the Gaza border reported heavy fighting between the IDF and Gaza terrorists on Monday night. IDF soldiers entered urban centers in Gaza on Monday evening.
According to Channel 10 news, approximately 100 armed terrorists have been killed in the IDF ground operation on Gaza, which began on Saturday night.
Reservists Eager to Serve
IDF officials reported Monday that the response to call-ups to the IDF reserves has been enthusiastic, and many former soldiers who were not called up have expressed willingness to take part in the Gaza operation.
Among them were members of a team of snipers who served in Gaza four years ago. Team members immigrated to Israel after having served with the Russian army in Afghanistan and Chechnya, and were known for their expertise.
"With all due respect to the army, the IDF does not know how to fight snipers,” one team member explained. “The Hamas snipers are targeting our soldiers... Now, with the IDF fighting in the narrow streets of Gaza, we can protect our soldiers from the Palestinian snipers.”