IAF bombs several targets in Gaza

Palestinian sources report one death and a number of injuries in IDF response to rocket attacks

Ali Waked|Last update: 02.14.09 , 00:00

The Air Force (IAF) bombed a number of targets in Gaza throughout Friday, in response to rockets that were fired at the western Negev in the morning.

Close to midnight the IDF Spokesperson's Office stated that the Air Force had bombed two centers for weapons manufacturing in Jabaliya refugee camp, in the northern Gaza Strip.

The Cause

3 Qassams hit western Negev

Ilana Curiel

Rocket fire from Gaza continues, despite reports on close truce agreement: Qassam lands in Eshkol Regional Council at around 6:30 am Friday; an hour later, two additional rockets land near Sderot. No injuries or damage reported

3 Qassams hit western Negev

Palestinian sources said a number of people had been injured in the strike, and that the targeted sites had been severely damaged.

Earlier in the day Air Force strikes targeted an area east of Khan Younis. Palestinian sources reported one dead and three injured in the strike.

According to Hamas and medical officials in the Strip, two gunmen belonging to the Popular Resistance Committees were critically wounded while riding a motorcycle near the town.

The IDF Spokesperson's Office confirmed the reports and stated that in a joint operation by the army and the Shin Bet, the Air Force bombed two terrorists belonging to the global Jihad's wing in Gaza and identified a direct hit.

The two terrorists, 28-year old Sleiman Abu-Sharitah and 27-year old Ali Kadera, were planning to carry out an attack in Israel, the statement said.

A short while later the Air Force bombed six tunnels used for weapons smuggling on Philadelphi route in the southern Gaza Strip. The IDF Spokesperson's Office stated that direct hits were identified and that secondary blasts occurred in some of the tunnels hit, indicating the presence of explosives.

The IDF stated that the strikes were in response to earlier rocket fire towards Israel. The statement said Israel was holding Hamas responsible for restoring peace in the south and that the army would respond harshly to any violation of this peace.

Earlier, at around 6:30 am, a Qassam rocket was fired from northern Gaza and landed in open spaces in Eshkol Regional Council. An hour later two more rockets were fired and landed near Sderot. No injuries or damage were reported in either attack.

During the night the IAF bombed a Hamas outpost in Khan Younis. Palestinian sources said a chopper fired two missiles, damaging the outpost but causing no injuries. The IDF said the strike was in response to continuing rocket fire on Israel.