Qassam rocket launchers in Gaza. Photo: Israel Defense Forces.

JNS.org – Terrorists in Gaza fired a volley of rockets at the Jerusalem area and the cities of central Israel on Tuesday night, marking the first time in more than a week that rocket sirens sounded near Jerusalem, Israel Hayom reported.

Sirens were heard in Tzur Hadassah, Beitar Ilit, Beit Shemesh, Gush Etzion, and Abu Ghosh. The Iron Dome system intercepted one rocket in the Mateh Yehuda region. A fire broke out in Tzur Hadassah, believed to be a result of falling rocket shrapnel.

Sirens went off at around 10 p.m. in Ashdod, Gan Yavne, Beer Tuvia, and Kiryat Malachi, as well as in the central Dan region. The Iron Dome defense intercepted two rockets above Rishon Lezion and Holon, and another one above Ashdod. No injuries or damage was reported. Another two rockets fell in open areas south of Ashdod.

More than 70 rockets and mortar shells were fired into southern Israel on Tuesday, primarily in the Eshkol region. In total, seven rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome, with the rest hitting unpopulated areas, causing no injuries or damage. On Wednesday morning, the rocket fire continued, with several rockets striking the Eshkol region near Gaza.