Five rockets were fired from northern Gaza toward Ashdod, a coastal city in southern Israel, on Wednesday evening as the country observed Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported. Four rockets were intercepted by Israel’s air defence system, while one fell in open terrain, causing no casualties.

Israel came to a standstill as Yom Kippur began at sunset, with stores, restaurants, cinemas, public transport, and most private cars halted until Thursday nightfall, Xinhua news agency reported.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military is finalizing the capture of the Netzarim Corridor, a buffer zone in central Gaza intended to isolate Gaza City and northern Gaza. Katz warned that residents moving south have a final opportunity to leave, while those remaining in Gaza City risk being considered Hamas supporters.

Earlier, the IDF launched an extensive ground operation in Gaza City, targeting militants “posing an immediate threat,” along with military structures and infrastructure. The Al-Rasheed coastal road, linking southern and northern Gaza, was closed for northbound movement, allowing only southward passage.

Palestinian authorities reported 23 Palestinians killed by Israeli gunfire and shelling on Wednesday morning, while Gaza health officials say 66,148 Palestinians have died and 168,716 have been injured since October 7, 2023.

Later, two additional rockets were fired from northern Gaza toward southern Israel and intercepted by Israeli air defences, with sirens sounding in three villages near the Gaza border, prompting residents to take shelter.

The ongoing exchanges underscore heightened tensions in the region as Israel continues its military campaign and Gaza remains under siege.