Rocket fired from Gaza strikes southern Israel

JERUSALEM (JTA) — A Kassam rocket from Gaza was fired into southern Israel.

The rocket attack early Thursday morning landed in an open area of Hof Ashkelon, located just to the east of Ashkelon. There were no reported injuries or damage, according to reports.

The Code Red alert signaling a rocket launched and heading for Israel, sounded in several communities in southern Israel.

An Iron Dome anti-missile defense system battery is permanently stationed near Ashkelon. On Thursday, an Iron Dome battery was deployed to the port city of Ashdod, and on Wednesday batteries were deployed in Beersheba and Sderot.

The rocket attack comes after a week of Palestinian terror incidents in Israel, including a bus bombing and another rocket fired from Gaza that landed near a school bus stop.

Israel retaliated for Sunday night’s rocket attack, hitting what it said were several “terror targets,” including a weapons manufacturing building and training grounds.