Israel launched Operation Protective Edge Monday night to intensify defensive efforts against Hamas and restore stability to the country's south. More than 240 rockets have been fired into Israel from Gaza since June 12, the day on which the three Israeli teenagers were abducted and murdered. Many are aimed at major towns and cities like Zichron Yaakov, 39 miles north of Tel Aviv and 72 miles north of Gaza. 

Hamas' artillery includes the Iranian M-302 rocket, which can travel up to 90 miles. This map shows areas within rocket range and the maximum time available for finding shelter in each location. Many Israelis and supporters abroad have downloaded the tzeva adom phone app, which alerts users in real time when a rocket is being fired at Israel.

Here's What's Been Happening: 

1. More than 3.5 million Israeli citizens, 45 percent of the Israeli population, is under Hamas rockets' fire range.
2. In the last three weeks, hundreds of rockets have been fired over the Israeli population. More than 100 of them were in the last 24 hours.
3. Once again, the residents of southern cities such as Sderot, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Be'er Sheva, and our partner communities throughout Israel have returned to the bomb shelters. Locations further north, including Jerusalem, have also been affected.
4. Missiles fired at Tel Aviv and other targets have been stopped by Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system.
5. Israel cannot tolerate a situation in which millions of its citizens are forced to live under a barrage of missiles.
6. The main objective of the operation is to restore stability and quiet to the residents of Israel.
7. Israel's actions are measured and directed at the missile launchers and the Hamas and related terror infrastructure.
8. In the coming days, many will criticize Israel's actions while glossing over the necessity for them. As we pray for the safety of the Israel Defense Forces and innocent civilians on both sides of this conflict, we must not be silent. We must know our facts and speak out in Israel's defense. Israel must not be condemned for doing what any responsible government would do to protect its citizens from terror.