Israel, PT: Rocket fire reported from Gaza Strip toward Southern District early Feb. 23

Event

Rocket sirens have been activated in several cities in the Southern District, including Ashkelon and Sderot, as of early Feb. 23 following reports of projectile fire from the Gaza Strip. No damage or casualties were immediately reported in connection with the reported rocket fire. The attack comes after Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a raid in Nablus Feb. 22 that killed at least 10 Palestinians and wounded over 100 others.

Israeli forces will likely launch retaliatory strikes on suspected militant targets in the Gaza Strip. Heightened security measures are likely in the Southern District over the coming hours. Gaza-based militants may fire additional rockets at communities in southern Israel over the coming days; precautionary measures, such as evacuations, are possible in affected areas.

Advice

Monitor local media and abide by security forces' directives. If incoming mortar rounds or rockets are reported or warning sirens sound in the general vicinity, report to the nearest bomb shelter and await further instructions from authorities. If there is no shelter nearby, stay indoors, away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to a ground floor or basement.