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Explosion in Gaza
Photo: AP

IAF strikes in Gaza; locals flee their homes

Israeli aircraft bombs home of senior Hamas commander; additional explosions reported in area, apparently after large arms cache blows up. Meanwhile sources in Gaza say hundreds leave neighborhoods near border fearing Israeli incursion

The IAF continued its strikes in Gaza as part of Operation Cast Lead Thursday evening. An Israeli fighter jet struck the house of senior Hamas commander Nabil Amrin in the Sheikh Radwan area.

 

The house reportedly contained large amounts of weapons and ammunition. Several explosions occurred at the place following the air raid, but it is unclear at this point whether Amrin had been hit.

 

Later in the evening, the rocket attacks on Israel continued, as did the IDF's strikes in Gaza. One rocket landed in an open field near Netivot and another exploded in an open area near Ofakim. No injuries or damage were reported.

 

Shortly after the attacks, an Islamic Jihad operative was injured in an IAF raid on the Sajaiya neighborhood in Gaza. Israeli aircraft also bombarded a workshop in Jabalya and another target in Sajaiya. No injuries were reported.


Fear in Gaza (Photo: AFP)

 

Earlier Thursday the IAF struck the home of senior Hamas leader Nizar Rayyan, killing him along with three of his children, his wife and five other people.

 

Meanwhile, Palestinian sources in Gaza reported that hundreds of residents of the Nada neighborhood located close to the Erez crossing in northern Gaza have begun evacuating their houses fearing an extensive Israeli operation.

 

The sources reported of similar evacuations throughout the border with Israel.

 

Neanwhile, sources in Gaza said that Israel has decided to allow 400 foreign nationals residing in Gaza to leave the Strip on Friday. Israeli officials refused to confirm this report.

 

In recent years Hamas has been thoroughly preparing for an Israeli incursion into the Strip. IDF officers familiar with the organization's military buildup describe a well-organized operation numbering over 15,000 people, including special units and intelligence personnel.

 

Hanan Greenberg contributed to the report

 


פרסום ראשון: 01.01.09, 20:21
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