Hunt for Qassam cells in former Gaza settlements

VIDEO - The IDF operation against gunmen who frequently fire Qassam rockets toward Sderot and Israeli communities near Gaza is underway: Ground forces entered north Gaza early Thursday and took up key positions prior to seizing control of areas used to fire the rockets and the creation of a "security strip". Golani Brigade troops under the command of Colonel Tamir Yadai, accompanied by tanks, Israel Air Force jets and artillery fire, reached the now-destroyed former Israeli settlements Dugit, Nisanit and Elei Sinai, from which Qassam fire toward Israel has emanated. Additional forces entered the Palestinian town of Beit Lahiya, also used by Qassam cells to fire rockets at Israel. Palestinian witnesses reported of heavy exchanges of fire in the area. According to reports, one Palestinian, later identified as Muhammad el-Atar, was killed in the clashes when a bullet struck his chest and came out of his back. “It’s a crazy scene – everyone is shooting at everyone,” a Beit Lahiya resident told Ynet. “Soldiers are coming out of the trees, from the rooftops. The residents don’t know if they should leave their homes or hide.” The IDF forces have advanced some seven kilometers (about four miles) into the northern Strip in a bid to seize control of areas from which Qassam rockets are fired. During the activity at least four anti-tank missiles were fired at the soldiers, but no injuries were reported. A senior Southern Command officers summed up the first phase of the operation: “Despite the relatively peaceful movement of forces so far, with no explosives devices set off, we are prepared – both operationally and physically – for the possibility of imminent resistance on the part of terror cells.” During the activity one soldier was lightly wounded from gunfire. The IDF is investigating whether the injury resulted from enemy fire or from a faulty activation mechanism in the soldier's rifle. Forces advancing at a slow pace (Photo: AP) According to military sources, the forces may advance as far as 9-10 kilometers (5.6 – 6.2 miles) into the Strip and seize control of additional areas used to fire Qassams at Israel. The north Gaza incursion is being carried out at a slow pace for fear of bombs, and troops are forming buffer zones to make it difficult on terrorists to move about the Strip and prevent Qassam attacks on Israel. The raid into northern Gaza, part of operation “Summer Rains,” which was launched following the kidnapping of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, is not limited in time or scope, and forces may advance deep into the Strip. Coordination officers joined the forces on the ground to answer to the needs of the Palestinian population. 'One must not rely on the miracle' Overnight the Air Force attacked several targets in the Strip. Hamas activist Abdullah Zomer was killed in an air strike near a north Gaza beach, and earlier the IAF struck the main post of the Palestinian naval police in Sudaniya. At least two Palestinians, Rami Abu Hashem and Husam Hijazi, were killed in the attack and another eight were injured. The attack took place next to the home of senior Palestinian official Nabil Shaath, which Palestinians say was partly raided by IDF soldiers. The incursion was authorized by the political-security cabinet the launching of Qassams toward Ashkelon on Wednesday, which Prime Minister Ehud Olmert referred to as a “severe escalation that will have far-reaching consequences,” expedited the decision to raid north Gaza. Defense Minister Amir Peretz said of the attack on Ashkelon: “"One must not rely on the miracle. The rocket fired last night illustrated all the more forcefully the need to halt the firing of Qassam rockets. In this context there is no difference between Ashkelon, Sderot or other Gaza vicinity communities. Any rocket fired at Israel is intolerable and Israel won’t tolerate and will do everything to restore calm," he said. Meanwhile, the IDF’s activity in south Gaza continues, with forces operating in the Dahaniya area, where it is estimated that Gilad Shalit is being held. The operation in the southern Strip is being led by the Givati Brigade. Forces are also searching for underground tunnels and bombs near the Erez crossing. Ali Waked contributed to the report