IDF bombs Gaza tunnels; no injuries

Air Force carries out several strikes in Gaza Strip, destroys smuggling tunnels, Hamas post. IDF says strike a response to firing of anti-tank missile

Elior Levy|Published: 04.07.11 , 08:04

Israel's Air Force carried out several strikes in the Gaza Strip late Wednesday night, sources in the area reported.

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit confirmed the report and said that aircraft bombed three smuggling tunnels and a tunnel supporting terrorist activity in the northern Strip. It was also stated that all the aircrafts returned safely to their bases.

Palestinian sources said that the first strike destroyed a smuggling tunnel south of Rafah. Damage was also caused to adjacent tunnels. The sources noted the attack surprised the Palestinians, as the IDF usually alerts the Egyptian army prior to such strikes and they in turn alert the Palestinians.

At around 1 am on Thursday, a post belonging to Hamas's military wing in the Zeitun neighborhood was bombed. The post had been attacked several times in the past. The third strike targeted a house in Zeitun and the fourth strike damaged another smuggling tunnel.

Gaza's emergency and rescue services spokesman reported there were no known fatalities.

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said the attacks were a response to the firing of an anti-tank missile at Israel.

On Tuesday night, the IAF bombed two tunnels in the northern Gaza Strip in response to rocket fire. There were four injuries according to Palestinian reports.