An screenshot from an Israeli's phone showing a rocket warning pop up as he reads the news. Photo: Twitter.

Israeli basketball star Omri Casspi announced his solidarity with the citizens of Israel’s southern towns, including his own parents, shortly after a barrage of Gaza rocket attacks rained down on Monday evening.

“Be strong citizens of the south (my parents included),” Casspi wrote on Facebook along with a quote about Israel from John F. Kennedy:

“John F. Kennedy: Israel was not created in order to disappear- Israel will endure and flourish. It is the child of hope and the home of the brave. It can neither be broken by adversity nor demoralized by success. It carries the shield of democracy and it honors the sword of freedom.”

At the time of publication, the post had been “Liked” 3446 times.

On Twitter, Casspi re-tweeted an image which shows a rocket warning pop up on an Israeli’s cellphone as he reads sports news.

“This is how we have to follow sports….” said David Blumberg in a caption accompanying the image.

According to the Israel Defense Forces, more than 30 rockets were fired in the latest salvo which struck major cities Ashdod and Ashkelon. Four were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome  missile defense system and 16 landed in open areas near Beersheba. According to Israeli media reports, more that 7o projectiles were fired at Israel.

The United Hatzalah volunteer ambulance rescue service reported that eight people were injured in Ashdod, one from rocket shrapnel and seven while running for shelters. Seven residents of southern Israel are being treated for shock following the rocket barrage, The Times of Israel said.

Casspi currently plays for the Houston Rockets. He has also played for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers.