Screen grab from video of 4 rockets headed towards Beersheba. Photo: Chagit Yehuda/ Tazpit News Agency

Rockets began to rain down on southern Israel after the IDF targeted the commander of Hamas’s military wing.

The Iron Dome defense system has downed 15 rockets fired from Gaza towards Beersheba and surrounding areas thus far. In total reports have it that over 40 rockets were launched from Gaza by terrorists, including 17 long-range Grad rockets fired at Beersheba.

According to The Times of Israel residents within range of rocket fire were requested to remain within 15 seconds of a shelter. School was canceled for Thursday in Beersheba, Ashdod and Ashkelon as well as in other parts of southern Israel. The police have raised the alert level.

Below is a recent video posted to YouTube by the Tazpit News Agency showing four rockets headed for Beersheba.  You can hear alert sirens in the background; the camera cuts out as the reporter runs for cover. To follow events as they unfold, visit The Algemeiner live blog as we continue to monitor events in the region.