Tensions are high along Israel's border with Gaza following an escalation of violence. Palestinian militants in Gaza in the past few days have fired a number of rockets, mortars, and missiles at southern Israel. One town hit by the rockets is Ashdod, on Israel's Mediterranean coast. A caf’ not far from where at least two rockets hit over the last few days is a place of refuge for residents of this port city who drink coffee, smoke cigarettes and share stories about how life has changed here in the last few days. The shower of rockets came after a relative lull that followed Israel's attack on Gaza militants more than two years ago. There have been sporadic rocket attacks in the past year, but militants stepped them up in recent days in response to an Israeli assault that killed civilians, including children. Israel said its targets were the militants who it says launched rocket attacks first. US Defence Secretary Robert Gates, on a visit to the region, met with Israeli and Palestinian leaders Friday. He affirmed Israel's right to defend itself and also urged both sides to return to negotiations to establish a Palestinian state.