Israel trying to weaken Hamas, says organization
Numerous air strikes on special forces' compounds shows Israel aimed at more than just responding to rockets, Hamas believes
Directly after this rocket attack, the Israel Air Force launched a series of strikes against Hamas' special forces. The first outpost hit was one in the Sheikh Raduan neighborhood in Gaza.
Shortly afterwards, the IAF targeted a Hamas compound in the Jabalia refugee camp. According to the sources, the post attacked is near the home of Hamas Special Forces commander, Abu Obaid al-Jarrah. At least two Palestinians were injured in the attack.
Later Saturday, the IDF attacked a Hamas outpost in Rafah.
Five members of Hamas' security forces were killed earlier Saturday morning, during a similar air strike on one of the organization's compounds in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighborhood.
Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh called the Israeli army's continued attacks in the Gaza Strip "part of an international plan to change the Palestinian political map." He said that the attacks were meant to exert pressure on his organization to yield to foreign initiatives.
Abu Obaida, a spokesman for Hamas' military wing said the Izz el-Din al-Qassam Brigades promised an “earth-shattering” response should Israel target Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh or any other senior Hamas member.
“The Zionist enemy must realize one thing and that is that it can forget about the soldier Shalit if it harms one of Hamas’ political or military leaders,” Abu Obaida warned, adding that his group is in possession of advanced weapons that “will be used against Israel sooner or later”.
