Isreli Defence Minister Ehud Barak declared a "special situation" in Sderot and other Israeli communities bordering the Gaza Strip, after a new surge in daily rocket attacks from the area, Israel Radio reported Friday.

Barak signed the decision late Thursday while Israel continues Gaza attacks.

The declaration essentially grants emergency powers to the army, which can make decisions, such as when to close schools or factories processing dangerous materials, without government intervention.

A similar order expired about one month ago.

Israeli airstrike on car

Three Palestinians were killed and one wounded by an Israeli airstrike on their car in southern Gaza City Thursday evening, medics said.


Agencies