IDF expands operations against Qassam launchers

The IDF has decided to expand its operations against Qassam rockets. The Israel Air Force on Saturday launched a strike on unpopulated areas inside Gaza City.

Earlier, the army attacked an empty building which was used in the past as a shelter for rocket launchers in the northern Gaza Strip. There were no reports of injuries.

The IAF attacked open areas in the past few months, but only in the northern Strip, far away from residents' homes and only in areas which serve as Qassam launching sites. The fire inside Gaza, although not in a populated area, came as a message to the Palestinian leadership.

Simultaneously, IDF missile boats fired artillery rounds at the Gaza Strip for the first time. Two missile boats were transported to the Gaza area for the mission and launched ongoing and massive fire at areas in the northern Strip. The navy joined the battle during the week by firing shells at areas in the northern Strip, which are more difficult to fire at from the land.

The IDF is trying to convey a message to terror organizations and to the Hamas government, that the Israeli military operation has been expanded and that the retaliation will not focus only on areas serving as sites for firing at Israel.

A senior IDF officer said Friday evening that the army's operation will be expanded and will continue in the next few days, while ignoring the Palestinian security organizations which, he claimed, are not doing a thing to thwart terror and are operating under Hamas ministers.

The senior officer noted that the army may expand its targeted killing operations, adding that "anyone who will be present at Qassam firing areas will be hurt by IDF fire, even he is part of the Palestinian security personnel."

The IDF is expected to increase its pressure on the terror organizations and the Hamas government in the near future in a bid not to create a situation of increased terror. However, a ceasefire on the part of the Palestinians in the near future may eventually lead to a ceasefire also on the part of the army.

Leaflets distributed over Gaza Strip

Defense establishment officials estimated that the situation in the Strip in the near future may be sensitive and lead to internal wars and attempts to carry out terror attacks against Israeli targets.

According to the officer, the defense establishment is working to minimize terror operated against Israel, both in terms of Qassam rockets and suicide bombers.

Simultaneously, the Karni crossing will continue to serve as the "oxygen tube" through which Israel will transfer humanitarian equipment and commodities to the Gaza Strip in order not to hurt the Palestinian population.

On Saturday morning, the IAF distributed leaflets over the Gaza Strip. In the leaflets, the army asked local residents: "Where are the terror organizations leading you? Is the firing of rockets leading you to life, livelihood and honorable living? The ongoing rocket fire at the citizens of the State of Israel is forcing the IDF to exert military force in order to stop the fire."

"The State of Israel evacuated the Gaza Strip and you were given the opportunity to run your lives. Until when will you allow terrorists to control you life and your future? The military response will worsen as long as the rocket fire continues," the leaflet added.

On Friday night, Palestinian gunmen launched three Qassam rockets from the northern Strip toward the southern town of Sderot. The rockets apparently landed in open areas in the town. There were no reports of injuries.

Khalil al-Quqa, commander of the Salah e-Din Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, was killed Friday after his car exploded in Gaza. Al-Quqa was considered one of the most senior officials involved in the Qassam rocket infrastructure.

Palestinian sources blamed Israel for the explosion, but the IDF denied any involvement.