From WJD:
Rockets rained down on southern Israel on Sunday night and Monday morning, with the barrage still ongoing at the time of this report. At the same time, the IDF struck Gaza with two retaliatory strikes, killing two Islamic Jihad terrorists the organization described as "top operatives."
According to YNet,
At least five grad rockets were fired at Beersheba since the early hours of the morning and the Iron Dome battery stationed in the area was successfully engaged several times. Nevertheless, one hit was reported on the city's outskirts. Two rockets were later fired at Ashdod. Both were intercepted by Iron Dome. The Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the morning's slavo.Haaretz reports further,
Overnight, the Israel Air Force attacked six locations in strikes on the Gaza Strip, killing two Islamic Jihad militants, one Palestinian child, and wounding 38 others, including several children.Despite the escalating cost exacted by the IDF, Islamic Jihad remained dedicated to its campaign of terror. A spokesman for the group "said that the IDF was trying to target top operatives, but to no avail," while also denying "Monday reports suggesting Egypt was negotiating a ceasefire with Gaza's militant groups."
The IAF also killed another Palestinian militant who was launching a rocket toward Israel, as well as a weapons storage site and five rocket-launching sites.
At the moment, it remains unclear how long the latest round of violence will continue. Islamic Jihad is somewhat trapped by its own rhetoric, and will likely be unable to de-escalate for another several days without losing face.
At the same time, their missile attacks are not proving particularly effect; the Iron Dome system is working fairly well; and the IDF has its justification for continuing to strike the Islamic Jihad hierarchy.
Given all of these factors, it seems unlikely that peace and quiet will be restored for several more days.
