(by MEclarity and Ynet). About 1 million Israelis (that's 40 million Americans, in terms of population) are being held hostage today - unable to go to school, work or to go outside - all due to "Grad" missiles fired by the Gaza terrorist organization, Islamic Jihad.
The Missile range has now been stretched to Beersheva, Ashkleon, Ashdod, and even to Nes Ziona, Rechovoth and Rishon Letzion (Israel's 4th largest city), which are firmly considered part of the "center" of the country and essentially suburbs of Tel Aviv.
Yesterday 30 missiles were fired on Israel - one person was killed in Ashdod, there were other injuries and extensive damage, including a school that was hit directly but was fortunately not occupied because it was Shabbat (Saturday): normally a synagogue prayer service would be held at the school at this time, but was fortuitously cancelled due to an illness. Otherwise, the fatalities could have reached in the dozens no doubt precipitating an enormous Israeli response.
At least 11 rockets and mortar shells were fired at southern Israel overnight and early Sunday morning as reports emerged of imminent cease-fire. Most of the projectiles landed in open territory while the Iron Dome system intercepted two Grad rockets fired at Ashdod.
On Saturday, at least 27 rockets were fired at the south. Moshe Ami, 56, a father of four from Ashkelon was killed by a rocket that hit the southern city.
Beersheba residents woke up at 3:30 am Sunday as an alarm sounded throughout the city followed by sounds of explosions. Two rockets landed in open territory outside the city. Around 4:30 am, a rocket exploded in an open field north of Ashkelon.
Around 6 am, two more rockets were fired at Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council while another landed in the region of Lehavim and Rahat.
Two operatives belonging to the Al-Quds Brigades, the Islamic Jihad's military wing, were killed overnight in IDF strikes on the Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources reported that Hamas training camps and facilities were bombed as well. Nine Islamic Jihad terrorists were killed by the IDF since Saturday.