IDF: 550 rockets fired at Israel this week

The IDF spokesman stated this afternoon (Thursday) that since the beginning of Operation Shield and Arrow, about 550 rockets were launched from Gaza towards Israel, of which nearly 400 entered Israeli territory. In total, there were 175 interceptions by the Iron Dome and David's Sling system and 124 failed launches which landed inside Gaza.

Since the beginning of the operation, the IDF has attacked 166 targets throughout the Gaza Strip.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a meeting with Chief of Staff Major General Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar. “I instructed all the security forces to take all necessary measures to prepare a series of additional operations, and to maintain a high level of readiness and vigilance for the possibility of increased range of fire," Gallant said.

The Islamic Jihad terrorist organization issued a statement threatening that Israel would pay the price for the continued killings of its leaders in the Gaza Strip. "The military arm of Islamic Jihad has the ability to expand and increase the circle of fire."

A chicken coop was struck by a rocket during a rocket barrage fired shortly after noon today. Yesterday, homes in Ashkelon and Sderot were struck by rockets.

Four uninvolved civilians have been killed by rockets fired by Islamic Jihad terrorists which landed in Gaza.