IDF bombs 3 Gaza terror targets

Air Force planes attack Hamas, Islamic Jihad facilities in response to rocket fire. Islamic Jihad operative assassinated earlier in airstrike in southern Strip

Hanan Greenberg |Published: 01.12.11 , 07:10

Israel Air Force planes bombed three terror targets in central Gaza on Tuesday night. There were no reports of injuries.

It was the second Israeli airstrike in the Strip in less than 12 hours, after the assassination of an Islamic Jihad operative on Tuesday afternoon.

Ongoing Fire

4 Gaza rockets hit south Israel

Ynet reporters

Attack comes shortly after Palestinians report 65-year-old farmer shot to death by IDF soldiers near security fence 'for no apparent reason.' One rocket lands in city's industrial zone; another Qassam lands in western Negev; no injuries reported

4 Gaza rockets hit south Israel

The Israel Defense Forces reported that all targets were hit and that all planes returned to their bases safely. The army clarified that the attack was a response to the firing of rockets and mortar shells into Israel in recent days.

Security sources in Gaza said the attacked sites included a Hamas security compound, an Islamic Jihad training camp and a Hamas marine police station.

Assassinated Islamic Jihad man's motorcycle (Photo: AP)

The Islamic Jihad man killed in the airstrike in southern Gaza on Tuesday afternoon was identified as Mohammed Najjar, 24. According to Palestinian reports, he was hit while riding his motorcycle near the Gaza border in the town of Khan Younis. Another Palestinian was injured in the attack.

Najjar had been wounded in the past in exchanges of fire with IDF soldiers, and was injured in the head in fighting during Operation Cast Lead. Israeli security officials confirmed that the Air Force killed Najjar, who they say planned a mass terror attack in Israeli territory.

Shortly after the airstrike, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said during a visit to the Kissufim army base, "I want to tell the other side – Hamas and Islamic Jihad – I suggest that you don't test us - the IDF, the Southern Command, the brigade. If the attacks on Israel continue, there will be more casualties on the (Palestinian) side."

Tuesday morning saw a rocket hit an open area south of the city of Ashkelon. There were no reports of injury or damage. Four rockets were fired into Israel on Monday, without causing injuries or significant damage.