ROCKETS REACH ASHKELON

Hamas rockets hit Ashkelon (JTA)
Gazan rocket crews extended their barrages to Ashkelon.

At least eight Grad rockets fired from the Gaza Strip struck Ashkelon, a major port some seven miles to the north, on Thursday as Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist groups kept up salvoes against Israel.

Dozens of Ashkelon residents were treated for shock. There were no immediate reports of more serious casualties.

Palestinians also fired several shorter-range rockets at the Israeli border town of Sderot, wounding two. One of the injured was a bodyguard for Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter, who was making an official visit to the town.

See also Ashkelon Residents Realize: We're Just Like Sderot - Tovah Lazaroff (Jerusalem Post)