Damage in the southern Israeli town of Sderot resulting from Wednesday's rockets fired from Gaza. Photo: Israel Hayom video screenshot.

JNS.org – After months of relative quiet in southern Israel, dozens of Palestinian rockets exploded in Eshkol, Shaar Hanegev, Merhavim, Sderot, and other communities on Wednesday.

Startled residents ran to bomb shelters, once again entering the cycle of fear that occurs during every round of violence emanating from Gaza. Even after the volley of at least 60 Islamic Jihad rockets ended, residents were instructed to stay within 15 seconds’ distance from bomb shelters.

“After a period of relative calm, once again we return to the sights of sirens and explosions, of panicked people running to bomb shelters,” Sderot resident Ilan Yalizerov told Israel Hayom.

“I was on my way home with my two little daughters and while driving we suddenly heard a deafening siren,” he said. “I quickly got out of the car while it was still running, grabbed my daughters and found cover. The girls did not stop crying. It is sad that this is the reality we live in.”

One rocket exploded near Sderot resident Nikko Pischov’s house.

“My God, the house shook like it was about to collapse,” Pischov said. “Our neighbors left their homes in a panic and ran to the street, where we saw the rocket on the road. Lucky, one tiny change in its course and the rocket could have hit our building.”

A rocket explosion also occurred only a few feet away from Arik Ohayon’s home in Sderot.

“I have four little children, and everyone, including my wife, are at a family event in the north. I can take care of myself. So long as they are there I can be calm. But enough already, enough terrorism,” he said.