JERUSALEM (JTA) — A rocket fired from Gaza exploded in an open area in southern Israel; no injuries or damage were reported.

The attack Monday came several hours before the scheduled release by Israel of 26 Palestinian prisoners — part of the diplomatic process agreed upon by Israel at the resumption of U.S.-backed negotiations with the Palestinians.

Monday’s rocket attack is the third instance of rocket fire from Gaza in less than a week. The Israeli military launched retaliatory strikes following last week’s rocket attacks on Israel’s south.  The Israel Defense Forces also deployed additional Iron Dome anti-missile defense  batteries to the area.

On Sunday, five Katyusha rockets were fired from Lebanon on northern Israel. Two of the rockets landed near Kiryat Shmona.

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