Jerusalem: A rocket fired from Gaza exploded in a shopping centre in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon today, wounding at least 14 people, rescue officials said, just as Israel s leader was denouncing such attacks.

A hospital official said a woman and her young daughter were seriously wounded, along with another child. Another woman was seriously wounded, and several other people were slightly wounded, said the official, Leah Malul of Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon.

The Magen David Adom rescue service said 14 people were wounded, three seriously, two moderately and nine slightly, adding that all the casualties had been evacuated from the site of the attack.

Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the rocket attack in a statement on its website.

Witnesses told Israeli radio stations that the rocket caused considerable damage. Rescue service director Eli Bean said at least two people were trapped under the rubble. They were later rescued and taken to the hospital, Army Radio reported.

Army Radio said the rocket hit the third floor of the Hutzot mall. The report said a clinic takes up part of the floor. A hospital official said two children were brought to the emergency room. Witnesses said an early warning system meant to give a few seconds for people to take cover did not sound an alarm before the rocket slammed into the mall.

Source : PTI