News - Southern and central Israel hit by rocket fire

At least one rocket hit the Gederot regional council building directly, killing a woman in her 60s, Magen David Adom reports. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched an operation in the Gaza Strip. "The IDF declares a state of readiness for war.[…] Hamas terrorist organization had begun a massive shooting of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory, and terrorists infiltrated into Israeli territory in a number of different locations.[…] Residents in the south and center of the country are required to be in close proximity to protected areas, and those in the Gaza periphery should remain within a secure space," IDF said in a statement. The IDF said the Chief of the General staff was assessing the situation on Saturday morning and approving plans for the continuation of IDF operations. “The Hamas terrorist organization is the sovereign in the Gaza Strip and is responsible for this attack. It will face the consequences and responsibility for these events,” Israel says. As of 8 am Saturday, Magen David Adom (MDA) officials said 16 people across the country had received help so far. Apart from the woman who succumbed to her injuries, two other individuals were hurt - a 52-year-old man from Gederot and a 20-year-old man from Yavne. Both of the victims with moderate injuries were taken to Kaplan Hospital. The IDF reported that the rockets struck numerous cities and towns, including Tel Aviv, where Initial reports from Israeli media suggested that a residential building was directly hit. Furthermore, there was a reported direct hit on a building in Ashkelon, and numerous cars in the city also ignited in flames. Explosions were heard and rockets were intercepted in Jerusalem. The IDF and Israeli police are asking residents to remain in their homes. Shelters have been opened throughout the country.