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Alsharq Tribune-Otaify
Five rockets were launched Wednesday evening from the northern Gaza Strip toward Ashdod, a coastal city in southern Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.
According to the Israeli army, four of the rockets were successfully intercepted by its air defense system, and one fell in open terrain, causing no casualties.
The barrage came as Israel observes Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Israel came to a standstill Wednesday at sunset as the Day of Atonement began. Stores, restaurants, cinemas, and other public venues remain closed until Thursday nightfall. Radio and television stations have stopped broadcasting; public transport is out of service; and private cars are largely unused except for medical emergencies.
On the same day, Palestine's official news agency WAFA reported 23 Palestinian deaths from Israeli gunfire and shelling across Gaza. Gaza-based health authorities stated that Israel's military campaign has killed 66,148 Palestinians and injured 168,716 others since Oct. 7, 2023.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the military is completing the capture of the Netzarim Corridor, a buffer zone in central Gaza aimed at isolating Gaza City and northern Gaza from the rest of the enclave. Katz added that this will tighten the siege around Gaza City, and all those leaving from the south will be required to pass through IDF checkpoints.
