Rocket explodes in open area in Eshkol Regional Council after two-day lull; no injuries

A two-day lull in Gaza rocket fire came to an end on Monday morning when a Qassam exploded in an open area in the Eshkol Regional Council. No injuries or damage were reported.

The Color Red alert sounded in several area towns around 9:50 am, and residents were urged to seek shelter. The rocket hit shortly after.

It was the first rocket to be fired on Israel since Friday evening, when a Qassam hit an open area in the same northwestern Negev region.

Schools in the council continued to operate as usual despite the escalation, while southern municipalities, including Beersheba, Ashkelon and Ashdod cancelled all activities. On Sunday, some 210,000 students returned to school due to the lull. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 03/19/12)