On Tuesday Palestinian militants for the first time since the end of Israeli operations in Gaza fired 100 thousandth Ashkelon - one of the largest cities in southern Israel.

Rocket of “Grad” type broke in the parking lot in the city center. At least three citizens are in need of medical assistance to exit from the mental shock, cars and nearby buildings are damaged.

The militants have resumed attacks on southern Israel a week ago, releasing more than 30 rockets and mines during this time. The Israeli military returned to the practice of targeted air strikes on activists and infrastructure groups operating in the Gaza Strip.

The head of the Israeli government, Ehud Olmert, threatened militants to “tough and disproportionate” response to the bombardments, but Defense Minister Ehud Barak made it clear that large-scale operations in the enclave are not planned.

In mid-January Israel completed the operation “Cast lead” and withdraw troops from the Gaza Strip. In the three weeks of ground fightings, bombings and rocket attacks, 1,3 thousands of Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed.