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Rocket launched in Gaza Strip explodes in Israeli southern town

Xinhua, September 19, 2015 Adjust font size:

At least one rocket launched from the Gaza Strip enclave on Friday evening landed in the southern Israeli city of Sderot, Israeli military said.

No injuries were reported, but light damage was caused to a vehicle.

"Moments ago, sirens sounded in Sderot and the Sha'ar Hanegev regional council as a rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip and hit southern Israel, landing in the Sderot area," a statement issued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

The IDF and police forces arrived at the area of the landing and are scanning it, the statement added.

Israeli media reported that forces are searching for another rocket that may have landed nearby.

In late August, a rocket exploded on Israeli territory, hitting the Eshkol regional council. There were no injuries and damages then, and the Israeli Air Force struck targets in Gaza in response to the rocket fire.

Earlier this week, the IDF deployed an Iron Dome anti-missile battery in the southern city of Ashdod.

Israeli media reported that the deployment is connected to the arrest on Wednesday of Palestinian prisoner Mohammad Allan, known for his two-month-long hunger strike.

The high alert is also due to the escalating security situation in Jerusalem, where clashes became a daily occurrence between Israeli security forces and Palestinian protesters. Endit