Israel Matzav

IDF strikes Gaza targets in retaliatory attack

In response to the firing of long-range Grad rockets that hit within the city limits of Ashkelon and in the area of Kiryat Gat on Wednesday, the IDF bombed Gaza 'targets' (which usually means tunnels or bomb-making factories unless they specifically say that they hit a rocket launching team) in the early hours of Thursday.

IDF aircraft struck targets in the Gaza Strip in the early hours on Thursday, Palestinians said, a day after Palestinians fired at least two Grad rockets, striking deep into Israel. There were no reports of injuries in the attacks.

The IDF confirmed that several strikes were carried out in Gaza in response to earlier rocket attacks and that direct hits on multiple targets were recorded.

A long-range Grad rocket fired from Gaza landed in open territory in Lachish, near Kiryat Gat late on Wednesday night. Later on Wednesday night, a Grad rocket fell near Ashkelon. Police said the rocket landed within Ashkelon city boundaries and damaged a road. A police response team was on the scene.

The attacks represents an escalation in the firing of longer-range rockets. The last time such rockets were fired at Israel was in March, when a number of projectiles landed in the Ashdod and Lachish area, and schools in the area were closed.

It's interesting that Hamas is choosing this as a time to escalate. It's known that Hamas is not happy with the 'Palestinian Authority's unilateral statehood move. Maybe they are trying to torpedo it?

Labels: Gaza, Hamas, IAF, weapons tunnels

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 8:28 AM