Rocket launched from Gaza hits shopping center in Ashkelon

A rocket fired from the Gaza Strip has hit a shopping mall in the Israeli city of Ashkelon, wounding 14 people – including a mother and an infant. Israeli police said the missile that hit Ashkelon was a Grad rocket, which has a longer range than the Qassam rockets. The mother and child sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital, officials said. One other person was seriously injured, two sustained moderate injuries, and the rest of the injuries were minor. Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack. It came as US president Bush met with Israeli leaders in Jerusalem to celebrate the State's 60th anniversary. Later on Wednesday, an Israeli air strike hit a group of armed men in northern Gaza, according to the Israel Defense Forces. Hamas said two militants were killed.