Palestinian rocket hits Ashqelon school zone

Ordinary Qassam rockets fired until now did not usually have the range to reach Ashqelon. This is either an "improved" version or a Grad (Katyusha) rocket. Hamas can escalate violence confidently, knowing that Israel will not undertake a major attack before President Bush and other dignitaries visit Israel.

 

Ami Isseroff

Qassam hits Ashkelon school zone just before children arrive
By Avi Issacharoff, Mijal Grinberg, Haaretz Correspondents Last update -
09:00 12/05/2008


Two Qassam rockets fired from the Gaza Strip by Palestinian militants hit Ashkelon on Monday morning. One of the rockets struck an area that contains many schools and kindergartens at 7 A.M., only a few minutes before the area is usually filled with children.

The second rocket fell in the Ashkelon National Park.

One woman was treated for shock and damage was caused to some homes.

On Sunday, Gaza militants fired three rockets at the western Negev, one of which exploded next to a schoolbus carrying children.

Two of the rockets, fired Sunday afternoon, hit populated areas in Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council.

There were no injuries in either of the strikes. The first rocket landed near Sapir College, damaging a local construction site.

The second Qassam struck near a local gas station, causing damage to the school bus. There were no casualties reported, but several people were treated for shock.

On Saturday, an Israeli civilian was killed when a mortar shell exploded as he tended his garden in the community of Kfar Aza. Jimmy Kdoshim, 48, was laid to rest in the cemetery near his home.

At least 21 rockets hit the western Negev over the weekend.