Iranian Grad Missile Hits Ashkelon Mall - Babies & Children Among Wounded

Hours after President George W, Bush arrived in Israel Iranian Grad missiles fell on an Ashkelon mall, trapping people under rubble.  A spokeswoman at the Barzilai Hospital said a mother and her two and a half year old daughter, as well as a doctor were seriously injured. The three were in a local Kupat Holim clinic when the missile hit,

According to Magen David Adom officials at the site, over 83 people were transferred to hospital, 19 suffered light to moderate wounds and the rest were treated for shock. In the evening the mother and daughter were transferred to the Tel Hashomer Hospital.

 The missiles penetrated the roof of the mall and the top two floors.

Residents complained that the Red Color early warning system failed to alert residents of the incoming missile attack. A probe into the matter by the IDF Homefront Command revealed that due to a technical failure the early warning system failed to activate.

The Islamic Jihad first claimed responsibility for the attack, but later the Popular Front For The Liberation Of Palestine also claimed involvement. 

Defense Minister Ehud Barak met with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and informed her about the rocket attack that occurred in Ashkelon. He offered to take Rice to the scene of the rocket attack. The defense minister also announced that he will limit his time with US President George W. Bush in order to deal with security situation.

 Addressing the conference in Jerusalem on Wednesday night, Bush declared that one must remain strong and decisive in the face of those seeking to kill innocent people for political gain. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the rocket attack in Ashkelon is unaceeptable and that Israel is committed to stopping rocket attacks on Israel. President Shimon Peres wished the wounded a speedy recovery and declared that Israel will not allow terror to destroy the country.

Hours after the attack, Israel lodged a complaint with the United Nations Security Council.05/14/08

Margot Dudkevitch

Infolive.tv