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Israel warns of Gaza rocket range Israel warns of Gaza rocket range
(20 minutes later)
Israel's intelligence chief has warned that Palestinian militants will soon double the range of rockets they fire from Gaza at targets in Israel.Israel's intelligence chief has warned that Palestinian militants will soon double the range of rockets they fire from Gaza at targets in Israel.
On Wednesday, a Grad-type rocket hit a shopping mall in Ashkelon, nine miles (15 km)from Gaza, wounding 14 people.On Wednesday, a Grad-type rocket hit a shopping mall in Ashkelon, nine miles (15 km)from Gaza, wounding 14 people.
Three people were seriously injured in the attack, claimed by Islamic Jihad.Three people were seriously injured in the attack, claimed by Islamic Jihad.
Maj-Gen Amos Yadlin told Haaretz newspaper that by 2010 the Hamas group would have rockets capable of hitting Beersheba and Ashdod 40km away.Maj-Gen Amos Yadlin told Haaretz newspaper that by 2010 the Hamas group would have rockets capable of hitting Beersheba and Ashdod 40km away.
"If this matter is not dealt with, Hamas will bring more cities within its range of fire," said Mr Yadlin, who heads Israel's military intelligence agency."If this matter is not dealt with, Hamas will bring more cities within its range of fire," said Mr Yadlin, who heads Israel's military intelligence agency.
An early warning alarm system meant to warn inhabitants in Ashkelon did not sound before the rocket slammed into the mall on Wednesday afternoon. An early warning alarm system meant to warn inhabitants in Ashkelon did not sound before the rocket slammed into the Hutzot Mall on Wednesday afternoon.
Israeli press reports say the army had switched the system off, following a number of false alarms and complaints from residents, but it would now be kept on for the next few weeks.
Defence officials said Israel's military commander had now come out in favour of a ground offensive into Gaza to prevent rocket attacks.Defence officials said Israel's military commander had now come out in favour of a ground offensive into Gaza to prevent rocket attacks.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has held back from ordering a major military offensive in Gaza, despite periodic intensification of rocket fire.Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has held back from ordering a major military offensive in Gaza, despite periodic intensification of rocket fire.
Correspondents say Israel would not have a clear exit strategy from Gaza and heavy fighting would jeopardise faltering peace talks with the rival Palestinian leadership to Hamas, which holds sway in West Bank.Correspondents say Israel would not have a clear exit strategy from Gaza and heavy fighting would jeopardise faltering peace talks with the rival Palestinian leadership to Hamas, which holds sway in West Bank.
Palestinian militants say the attacks are their response to Israeli raids on Gaza and the West Bank, one of which on Wednesday led to the deaths of three Palestinian militants and a civilian in the strip.Palestinian militants say the attacks are their response to Israeli raids on Gaza and the West Bank, one of which on Wednesday led to the deaths of three Palestinian militants and a civilian in the strip.
An Israeli air strike later on Wednesday killed two Hamas fighters.An Israeli air strike later on Wednesday killed two Hamas fighters.
US President George W Bush visiting Israel for its 60th anniversary celebration vowed to support Israel in battling "terror" groups.US President George W Bush visiting Israel for its 60th anniversary celebration vowed to support Israel in battling "terror" groups.
"America stands with you in breaking up terrorist networks and denying the extremists sanctuary," he said in remarks prepared for delivery to the Israeli parliament."America stands with you in breaking up terrorist networks and denying the extremists sanctuary," he said in remarks prepared for delivery to the Israeli parliament.