Mortars fired at south, IDF strikes in Gaza
Palestinians report man killed, several injured as Israeli army attacks vehicle in town of Rafah, about half an hour after another mortar shell lands in western Negev
Shortly afterwards, the Israel Defense Forces attacked a vehicle in the Gaza town of Rafah, reportedly injuring a number of people. One of the wounded, a member of the Popular Resistance Committees, died at the hospital. Two others sustained serious injuries.
Car damaged in strike (Photo: AFP)
On Sunday night, Israeli aircraft bombed Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip after Prime Minister Ehud Olmert vowed a "disproportionate" response to mortar fire that injured three Israelis. Security sources confirmed the strike, citing that the Israeli Air Force struck six targets in Gaza during the evening hours.
The targets included a Hamas stronghold, and several tunnels on the Philadelphi Route. According to the sources, the fire triggered several explosions, indicating that Hamas as resumed its arms smugglings.No casualties were reported.
Shortly after Sunday's strikes, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Israel was not gearing for a second offensive in the Gaza Strip.
"We have no intention of embarking on Operation Cast Lead number two. We said there would be a response (to the rocket fire) and we responded.
"I don’t know whether or not Hamas would really hold fire on Thursday; we'll have to wait and see," he added.
Ilana Curiel contributed to this report
