Israeli air strike kills 6 Palestinians, wounds 20

VIDEO - The IDF is expanding its operations in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Air Force attacked the northern Gaza Strip, near Beit Hanoun, early Wednesday. IDF officials reported that at least six Palestinian gunmen were killed and about 20 others were wounded. During the operation, a number of antitank missiles were shot at IDF soldiers. Army officials said the current operation was the most extensive in recent months, both in time and scale. According to them, soldiers are facing stiff resistance, including explosive devices, antitank missile fire and gunfire. Defense Minister Amir Peretz said regarding the IDF operation in north Gaza that, “Our goal is to significantly decrease the Qassam launching capability. Beit Hanoun and the surrounding area has become a center for rocket attacks on Israel, and that is why we are operating there.” He said the return of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit would possibly mark a “breakthrough that may put in motion a process of deliberation that we all strive for.” The IDF reported that the first aerial attack was made against an armed Palestinian identified next to the soldiers. The Air Force attacked again, this time at a cell of armed gunmen laying a bomb. In addition, Israeli infantry troops backed by armored forces entered northern Gaza before dawn and gun battles ensued, followed by several air strikes, witnesses said. The IDF reported that this is part of expanding operations in the Gaza Strip. IDF troops prepare to enter Gaza (Photo: Amir Cohen) Palestinian eye witnesses confirmed that about 40 IDF armed vehicles and bulldozers operated in the northern Gaza Strip, but the IDF didn't confirm these figures. According to Palestinian sources, during the attacks, a gun battle broke out between the Palestinians and the IDF soldiers. Ambulances were unable to reach some casualties due to the intensity of the gunfire, witnesses said. An Israeli military spokesman confirmed that "there is ground action in northern Gaza now." IDF sources confirmed that the IDF intends to embark on another action in the Gaza Strip – this time broader and in different areas in Gaza – in the coming days. "There is no way to hold on to territory in the Gaza Strip over the long-run, but we must act vigorously against the terror infrastructure, both those operating today and those that will operate in the future," senior IDF officials said to Ynet. "An expansion of operations in Gaza is expected shortly." The current operation is expected to be comprehensive in terms of forces operating in the field as well as the time allotted for the operation. However, the IDF clarified that the operation won't last many weeks, but is planned to be similar to the operation carried out after the kidnapping of Cpl. Gilad Shalit. The defense cabinet will meeting Wednesday morning in order to discuss expanding operations. Tuesday, Southern Command Chief Yoav Galnat warned against going into Gaza with the equivalent of a division as the Palestinians are preparing advanced antitank equipment in preparation for the expanded confrontation with the IDF. In the meantime, it was reported Tuesday that three gunmen form the Az a-Din al-Qassam Battalions, the military arm of the Hamas, were killed by IDF forces. The operation was in a village next to Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip. The Palestnians reported that three people were killed in another incident. Reuters contributed to this report

Israeli air strike kills 6 Palestinians, wounds 20

(VIDEO) Palestinian eye witnesses report Israeli Air Force attacks Gaza number of times before dawn. Air strike in Gaza kills at least six gunmen, wounds 20 others