4 Hamas terrorists killed in IDF strike

An Israeli air strike in the southern Gaza Strip late Tuesday killed four Hamas terrorists and wounded five, Palestinian medical sources said.

Israeli warplanes attacked a "terrorist position in response to rocket and mortar attacks from the Gaza Strip on localities in southern Israel," an Israeli military spokesman told AFP.

"The Israeli army will continue to act against these terrorists to reduce the number of rockets fired at southern Israel," the spokesman said.

The medical sources said the attack near Khan Younis was aimed at a police unit, the so-called Executive Force of the radical Islamist Hamas which rules the territory.

Earlier it was reported that three Palestinians were wounded after an IDF airstrike near Jabaliya apparently missed its intended target.

The army said it was targeting a terror cell launching Qassam rockets from the area, Palestinians say the airforce hit a residential building instead. One of the wounded people is reportedly a young boy.

The IDF said it was investigating the claim and an initial probe into the incident indicates a possible malfunction with the rocket used in the attack.

Girl wounded in Jabaliya attack (Photo: AFP)

The army said that the type of rocket used this evening has proven itself numerous times in the past, however an unexpected deviation apparently resulted in the tragic accident.

"The IDF has and is making every effort to minimize the possibility of civilian casualties and only target those who have been confirmed to be terrorists. Over the past few years there has been a significant drop in the number of uninvolved civilians wounded in IDF operations. The incident that took place this evening will be investigated and we will draw the necessary conclusions from it. In any event we express our sorrow over any wounding of civilians," said military officials.

The cell targeted by the IAF was also responsible of the launching of two Qassam rockets and five mortar shells towards the town of Sderot earlier this evening. No injuries were reported but damage was caused when one of the mortars landed on a house in Netiv Ha'asara.

A grandmother and her granddaughter were in the house at the time and were able to escape injury by fleeing to the family's bomb shelter.

The Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack. In all, four Qassaam rockets landed in Israel on Tuesday.

Hanan Greenberg contributed to this report