Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system has shot down five rockets fired at Ashkelon from the Gaza Strip.

The round of rocket fire was launched at Ashkelon, home to 125,000 residents, last night just before 2am.

Warning sirens were triggered but no injuries or damage was reported.

Israel says it holds the Islamist group Hamas responsible and responded to the attack with a series of air strikes on the strip.

Palestinian security officials told reporters that two Hamas camps were hit by the air strikes and five people were wounded, including a woman and four children.

IDF spokesman Peter Lerner said: “The IDF response was precise, swift and efficient in eliminating terror capabilities that only exist in order to terrorise, kill and maim Israelis.”

Earlier this week, two rockets landed in open areas shortly after the funeral of Ariel Sharon, several miles from his grave.