Gaza rocket hits home in Beersheba, Israeli military strikes back

Jerusalem: A rocket fired from Gaza has struck a residential home in Beersheba, southern Israel, and the Israeli military began attacking militant sites in Gaza in response after days of rising tensions.

The Magen David Adom medical service said a woman and her three children, whose home in Beersheba was struck, were being treated for shock after they fled to their shelter upon being awaken by warning sirens shortly before 4am. Her swift response likely saved their lives, as the home was destroyed and debris was scattered throughout the neighbourhood.

The medical service said two other Beersheba residents were injured during the panic to seek cover.

The military said another rocket from Gaza landed in the sea, just off the coast of one of the larger cities in central Israel. No injuries were reported.

Following the attacks, schools in Beersheba were closed and Israel’s military chief was cutting short his visit to the United States to come back and manage the crisis.

Read the report in The Sydney Morning Herald (AP).