Jerusalem, Aug 14 (IANS): A rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel Wednesday evening, two hours before a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas is set to expire, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson said.
The IDF said a rocket hit the Hof Ashkelon regional council and there were no damages or injuries, Xinhua reported.
Sirens were also heard in other southern regional councils nearby, but no further rocket strikes were identified.
Hamas denied any responsibility for the rocket launch, the Ha'aretz daily reported Wednesday.
Indirect talks mediated by Egypt are still ongoing in Cairo between Israel and the Palestinians over reaching a permanent ceasefire for the Gaza offensive, which started a month ago.
There have been mixed reports and no official announcements regarding the status of the talks.
On Wednesday afternoon, the sides gathered for a crucial meeting in order to extend the 72-hour ceasefire, which started Sunday midnight.