The new fortified bus stops in rocket-plagued Sderot

The Defense Ministry deployed 120 fortified bus stops in Sderot Wednesday, built to protect citizens from Qassam rocket fire. The decision to safeguard the bus stops was made by Defense Minister Ehud Barak, following his visit to Sderot last week.

The bus stops, which are made of a think layer of cement, were placed all over the rocket-plagued city.

"We have discovered that most of the injuries and fatalities involving Qassam rockets were caused by shrapnel wounds while the victims were out on the street," a Defense Ministry official said.

"These bus stops will protect not only people who are waiting for the bus but also those who are caught outside when the 'Color Red' alert goes off."

The ministry is also examining the possible fortification of farmers' packing houses in the communities surrounding Ashkelon as well as bolstering the amount of security forces in the area. (Haaretz)

"We eagerly welcome the Operation LifeShield initiative, a viable solution that has come at such a critical time for Sderot," stated Sderot's mayor, Eli Moyal.