Israel, PT: Rocket sirens activated in Southern District early April 5

Event

Rocket sirens have been activated near Sderot, Southern District, as of early April 5 following reports of projectile fire from the Gaza Strip. A rocket has reportedly hit a factory but there have been no initial claims of casualties. The attack comes after violent clashes broke out between Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Palestinian worshippers near the Temple Mount/Al-Haram ash-Sharif compound in East Jerusalem April 4-5.

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.