An Israeli police officer looks through a hole in the ceiling of a damaged house after a rocket fired by Palestinian militants from Gaza Strip landed in Ashkelon, southern Israel, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012. Israel launched the operation last Wednesday by assassinating Hamas’ military chief and carrying out dozens of airstrikes on rocket launchers and weapons storage sites. Over the weekend, the operation began to target Hamas government installations as well, including the offices of its prime minister. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)
Southern Israel residents scared but determined
An Israeli police officer looks through a hole in the ceiling of a damaged house after a rocket fired by Palestinian militants from Gaza Strip landed in Ashkelon, southern Israel, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012. Israel launched the operation last Wednesday by assassinating Hamas’ military chief and carrying out dozens of airstrikes on rocket launchers and weapons storage sites. Over the weekend, the operation began to target Hamas government installations as well, including the offices of its prime minister. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)
- –
- +
A few minutes later, the siren sounded. The Aroma waiters ushered Damari and others into the shelter.
‘‘I'm so scared,’’ she said.
Police said two people were slightly wounded in Sunday’s attack. Afterward, the few shops that were open began shutting down, some out of fear, others for lack of clients.
The big-screen TV in the Foto Life shop blared news of the latest strike.
‘‘It landed right next to my mom’s place. She said the whole building shook,’’ said Etti Gabai, a 45-year-old clerk. ‘‘She’s not well. She had to take some anxiety pills to calm down.’’
At the Castro clothing store, one of the few shops to remain open, employees turned to the only topic in town.
Eden Lankri, a 21-year-old saleswoman, said she has been largely confined to her room and, making matters worse, her boyfriend had been called up for military reserve duty. Even so, she hoped the offensive would continue.
‘‘We don’t want a cease-fire yet. We can continue to absorb it all so long as eventually it will stop once and for all,’’ she said. ‘‘If we stop now it will be a waste. There have to be results this time.’’
____
Follow Heller on Twitter (at)aronhellerap![]()



