Palestinian militants fire Qassam rocket at southern Israel: radio

Palestinian militants fired a Qassam rocket at the Neveh Dekalim Jewish settlement south of the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, causing no injuries and material damage, Israeli public radio reported.

The rocket was launched from the north of the Gaza strip the radio quoted a military spokesperson as saying, adding that the rocket exploded in an open area.

Meanwhile, Palestinian militants said on Wednesday that they opened fire against an Israeli military post at the Neveh Dekalim Jewish settlement.

In another development, the Israeli Army closed earlier the coastal road, south of Gaza city that links the northern and central areas of the strip, while Israeli tanks and Apache helicopters opened fire at any Palestinians who attempt to get close to the area.

Palestinian sources added that the Israeli military tanks and bulldozers started razing lands planted with vines and vegetables in Al-Sheikh Ejlein area, near the road. Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli soldiers, who took over a nearby Palestinian owned house, were stationed at the rooftop and opened fire against Palestinians and their vehicles.