This map shows the rocket ranges as they relate to the population of southern Israel, and how much time people have to take cover given the distance the rocket travels. Those living in the 10 kilometer range have 15 seconds to find safety once the alarm sounds, those in the 20 km range have 30 seconds, 30 km – 45 seconds,  and 40 km a minute. With the increased range of the rocket fire from Gaza, nearly 1 million people, or a seventh of Israel’s population live in danger and under threat from rocket attacks. The goal of operation Cast Lead has been to reduce the number of rocket attacks against the inhabitants of southern Israel.

Population Figures (numbers from 2007):

• Ashkelon – 108,900
• Ashdod – 207,000
• Yavne – 32,200
• Gadera – 17,700
• Kiryat Malachi – 19,600
• Kiryat Gat – 7,800
• Sderot – 19,300
• Be’er Sheva – 531, 000
• Ofakim – 24,700
• Netivot – 25,600