Terrorism

"Residents of the Gaza Strip, it is time to wake up and understand that Hamas and Islamic Jihad are using you as hostages."

Mayor Uwe Becker posted his recommendation to social media on Tuesday towards the end of the first day of rocket and mortar attacks on southern Israel from Gaza.

"We must not drop the ball and we cannot lose sight of our main target -- Iran. The moment we destroy the head of the octopus, our situation ... will be much better."

No doubt, MK Yogev's alternative would be costly in terms of international politics, but Israel can't expect more favorable conditions to go in earnest after the Hamas war criminals.

The targets of the attacks stretched from the northern Gaza Strip, in the Beit Hanoun area, to the south, in the Rafah area.

"The Security Council should be outraged and respond to this latest bout of violence directed at innocent Israeli civilians."

According to the IDF, there were also a number of Red Alert sirens that were false alarms. The incidents were being investigated, the IDF said.

Gaza terrorists fired some 80 rockets and mortar shells at Israel on Tuesday, May 29.

"The IDF is prepared for a variety of scenarios and is determined to act against terrorist operatives and will continue to carry out its mission to protect the citizens of Israel."

A number of the traumatized residents were taken to a nearby hospital for medical care.

"The Municipal Hotline 106 is at your service for any question," Kiryat Gat authorities announced.

"Hamas has misappropriated billions of dollars of aid and bought missiles instead of food and built terror tunnels instead of schools and hospitals."

Tuesday marked the largest rocket and mortar attack against Israel from Gaza since 2014.

"The IDF will continue to enforce the naval blockade and defend the maritime borders of Israel and its civilians."

The actions of the terrorist factions Tuesday night and in the next 24 hours will determine whether Israel will be forced into a wartime stance, or simply that of a heightened alert.

Liberman: "Every place from which the terrorist organizations fire into Israeli territory is a legitimate target for the air force to attack, with all that entails."

Ari Fuld takes us down to Israel's south were mortars are raining down.

The IDF Chief of Staff expressed his "great appreciation" for the leadership and civilian strength demonstrated by the heads of the communities and citizens in the Gaza Belt region.

Minister Steintz instructed the Israel Electric Company not to endanger its employees, however, and to repair the damage only after a lull in the attacks.

The hotline to reach the United Hatzolah psychotrauma unit is 1221.

"Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit volunteers in the entire south are on high alert and will be ready at a moments notice to responds to any emergencies."

Since October, ten Hamas terrorist tunnels emanating from Gaza have been destroyed by the IDF.

Residents were instructed not to approach [the shrapnel] and to allow law enforcement professionals to secure the scene safely, without endangering civilians."

President Reuven Rivlin called the kindergarten within minutes after the attack to speak with the children, and by speaker phone wished them a calm day. He invited them all to visit him at the presidential residence in Jerusalem.

The soldiers all suffered shrapnel wounds. They were evacuated to Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva.

"Israel will exact a heavy price from anyone who tries to attack it, and we view Hamas as responsible for preventing such attacks against us."

It is believed that the attacks were carried out in response to the killing of three Islamic Jihad activists two days ago.

A number of mortars hit Israel in an additional barrage.

Some of the rockets hit inside Israeli communities, others were intercepted by Iron Dome.

No physical injuries were reported but the windshield of a vehicle was shattered in the attack.