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Gaza rocket intercepted over Israeli territory

Xinhua, September 30, 2015 Adjust font size:

At least one rocket launched from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel was intercepted Tuesday night by Iron Dome anti-rocket battery, military officials said.

The projectile was launched from the Palestinian enclave at around 10:45 p.m. (1945 GMT), triggering sirens in the cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon in the southern coast of Israel.

"The rocket was intercepted by the Iron Dome Aerial Defense System," the spokesperson said in a statement, adding that no injuries have been reported.

According to Israel's Channel 2 TV news report, there were two rockets intercepted above Ashdod.

The last time a rocket was fired at Israel occurred almost two weeks ago, with one projectile intercepted over Ashkelon and the other exploded in the city of Sderot. There were no injuries and damages then, and the Israeli Air Force (IAF) struck targets in the strip in response to the rocket fire.

In the following day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) deployed two anti-missile batteries near communities in southern Israel, fearing further escalation.

The latest incident came amidst a string of violent clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians in East Jerusalem's al-Aqsa mosque compound, over increased visits by Israelis to the holy site.

Since last summer's Gaza war was concluded with a fragile ceasefire, there has been occasional rocket fire from Gaza into Israel, with ensuing IDF responses.

During the 51-day-long campaign, Israeli forces killed 2,251 Palestinians, including 1,462 civilians, and Israel saw the death of 67 soldiers and six civilians. Endit