Tel Aviv - Palestinian militants in the Gaza strip fired a Russian-made Gard missile at the southern Israel port city of Ashdod Monday night, a military spokeswoman said.

Reports said five people were wounded by the missile, one critically, one seriously and three lightly.

The strike marks the first time a missile from the Gaza Strip has landed in Ashdod, although one rocket fired Sunday landed just south of the city, the furthest projectiles launched from the salient have ever landed in Israel.

Hamas has said it will strike target in Israel previously not targeted by its missiles, as Israel continues with its air offensive against the Islamist group in the Gaza Strip. (dpa)