Via Times of Israel:

At least 40 rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip into south Israel after 8 p.m. Monday evening, as the IDF prepared for a possible extensive operation in the Hamas-controlled coastal enclave. No injuries were reported.

Warning sirens were heard in the cities of Sderot, Netivot, Ofakim, and Rahat. Residents in areas within 40 kilometers of Gaza, including Ashdod and Beersheba, were instructed by the IDF not to hold large gatherings and to stay near bomb shelters.

Sirens were heard in the Jerusalem area, including Tekoa and Efrat, and in the center of the country as well, but they were reported to be false alarms, according to Channel 2.

Twelve rockets were intercepted over the cities of Netivot and Ashdod, while other rockets hit open areas in the vicinity of Beersheba.

The IDF’s Home Front Command instructed the municipalities of Ashkelon, Ashdod and Beersheba, as well as regional councils in vicinity of Gaza, to prepare public bomb shelters for opening. Residents in the south were also instructed not to attend gatherings of 500 people or more.