JERUSALEM — Israel’s Port Authority has warned all ships in the Mediterranean Sea to be alert for explosive devices floating near beaches in southern Israel.

Beaches remained closed on February 2, the day the warning was issued, as several suspicious objects were reported at southern beaches.

A day earlier, two explosive devices in barrels were discovered near southern Israeli beaches in Ashkelon and Ashdod, according to reports, and deactivated by police sappers.

Also on February 2, a Kassam rocket fired from the Gaza Strip landed in southern Israel. No injuries or damage were reported.

Police told the Israeli media that they believe the barrels discovered on February 1 by people walking on the beach came from Gaza. The barrels each weighed about 175 pounds.

A senior Palestinian source said the explosives were to be used to attack an Israeli oil rig in southern Israel and the attacks were a joint operation of several Palestinian terror groups.

JTA