IDF: Projectile fired from Gaza into Israel, Iron Dome launches intercept

Residents of the communities allege hearing explosions in the area.

OCTOBER 25, 2018 02:25

Updated: OCTOBER 25, 2018 12:08

An Iron Dome anti-missile system fires an interceptor missile as rockets are launched from Gaza toward Israel on August 9 (photo credit: AMIR COHEN/REUTERS) — An Iron Dome anti-missile system fires an interceptor missile as rockets are launched from Gaza toward Israel on August 9

(photo credit: AMIR COHEN/REUTERS)

Following reports of a red alert in the regions of Eshkol and Merhavim, a projectile was reported to be fired from Gaza at Israel, according to the IDF. The Iron Dome aerial defense system launched an intercepting missile toward the incoming projectile headed for Israeli territory.

BREAKING: A projectile was launched from #Gaza at #Israel. The Iron Dome aerial defense system launched one interceptor towards the projectile. pic.twitter.com/ifGiDeov9q
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDFSpokesperson) October 24, 2018

Rocket sirens were sounded in the Urim and Patish communities located in the Eshkol region of southern Israel late Wednesday night, after a week of relative calm. Thousands of families were rushed to nearby bomb shelters.

Residents of the communities alleged hearing explosions in the area. No casualties have been reported.

This most recent escalation follows another attack last Wednesday in which rockets were launched from Gaza into Israel and a family home was struck in Beersheba. Hamas refutes claims of responsibility for the attacks, whereas the IDF claims Hamas are the only ones in Gaza with access to such a type of weaponry.