Rocket fired from Gaza explodes in Ashkelon

A Qassam rocket that was fired dawn Monday from northern Gaza exploded in the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council, reported Israeli news agency (Yediot Ahronot). The Color Red alert sounded in one nearby town. It was not immediately clear whether injuries or damage were caused. Israeli military sources have also announced that a bomb exploded near the security fence northwest of Ramallah. The agency reported that the explosives were meant to target Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops, but no injuries or damage were reported. The agency indicated that the device consisted of a gas tank placed inside a tire, to which a detonator was attached. The bomb was planted near the security barrier, in an area that is frequently patrolled by IDF forces. The device apparently exploded prematurely for unknown reasons.