Home Front eases restrictions for southern residents

The IDF’s Home Front Command says that Israeli civilians living between seven and 40 kilometers from the Gaza Strip — an area that includes the major cities of Ashdod, Ashkelon and Beersheba — are allowed to gather in larger numbers than during Operation Protective Edge and to reopen schools and kindergartens.

In a move to ease restrictions for residents of southern Israel, the Home Front Command permits the gathering of up to 500 persons — up from 300 during the conflict — and the opening of colleges, schools, summer day care and special education, so long as the requisite air-raid shelters are in place.

The restrictions in force for towns within seven kilometers (four miles) from the Gaza Strip remain in place.