A rocket fired from Gaza exploded in a shopping center in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon wounding at least 14 people. The explosion occurred on Wednesday just as Israel's leaders were discussing the violence with visiting US President George W. Bush.
The rocket ripped through the roof of the mall. By hitting a crowded shopping center in a major Israeli city just as Bush was in the country, Gaza militants have increased attacks while Israel's army chief will send large numbers of ground forces into the Gaza Strip.
Two militant groups, the Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad and the Hamas-linked Popular Resistance Committees have claimed responsibility.