Hamas salute to Bush - rocket in Ashkelon

According to Israel TV Channel 1, eleven people were wounded. Some were briefly trapped in wreckage. There is no doubt that the self-imposed (or US imposed) Israeli restraint during the visit of president Bush is an invitation for more and better rocket attacks.

 

Ami Isseroff

 

 Last update - 18:27 14/05/2008       
Gaza rocket hits Ashkelon mall; several people hurt
By The Associated Press

 

A rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, apparently a Katyusha-type rocket, exploded in a shopping center in the southern city of Ashkelon on Wednesday, police said.

 

A rescue service spokesman Eli Bean said at least three people, including two babies were among the wounded. Witnesses told various radio stations that the rocket caused considerable damage. Bean said at least two people were trapped under the rubble.

 

The rocket attack came as U.S. President George W. Bush wrapped up talks in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. The Israeli leader said at the end of the talks that Israel would not tolerate attacks from Gaza militants.
 
Casualties have mounted recently from the daily rocket attacks by Palestinian militants on Israeli communities outside Gaza. Two people were killed during the last week.

 

The homemade rockets militants usually fire at Israel do not have enough range to reach Ashkelon. Instead, militants use Grad-type rockets to hit the city of 100,000, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the Gaza-Israel border