JERUSALEM, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military said on Wednesday it intercepted a projectile launched from the Gaza Strip, as fighting escalated across the besieged enclave under its widening military campaign.
In a statement, the military said the projectile was fired from northern Gaza and intercepted by the Israeli Air Force. Air raid sirens sounded in the Lakhish area of southern Israel. There were no reports of casualties.
No group has claimed responsibility for the launch.
The incident comes days after two rockets were fired from central Gaza on Sunday. Israel's military said one was intercepted while the other landed in an open area.
The exchanges follow the launch of Israel's latest offensive, Operation Gideon's Chariots, which Palestinian health authorities said has killed hundreds in its first five days.
The Gaza-based health authorities reported on Wednesday that 53,655 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began its military campaign more than 19 months ago. ■
