JERUSALEM – In what seems to have become a routine, the Hamas continues to fire rockets at civilian targets all across Israel throughout the day and night, as the IDF continues to attack terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip. More than 130 rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel yesterday. At least 102 rockets struck Israel. 22 rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system.
A rocket fired from Gaza hit electricity infrastructure in Israel that supplies power to Gaza, cutting power to about 70,000 people in Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah. The Israel Electric Company (IEC) decided for the time being not to fix the power line, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister for Regional Development Silvan Shalom have instructed the company not to put the lives of IEC workers at risk. Hamas is known to snipe at Israelis working on the fence near to Gaza. The power line will be fixed when the security situation allows it, the company said.
As a prelude to heavier attacks on rocket launching sites situated primarily in northern Gaza, the IDF dropped leaflets yesterday and sent cell-phone messages to the Gazans living it that area. The messages warned civilians to move away from Hamas terrorists and command centers, which pose a grave risk to their safety. Hamas urged Palestinians to ignore these warnings, hoping that they continue to serve as human shileds. Israeli air strikes have yet to increase in volume or magnitude.
The Security Cabinet still seems to be undecided on a ground incursion into Gaza, and is still trying to utilize to the fullest its air and artillery options.
A bit past midnight three rockets were fired at northern Israel from Lebanon. One hit an open area. The IDF immediately responded with artillery fire towards the source. UNIFIL has been notified of the severity of the incident.
Earlier on a rocket fired from Syria hit Israel. An IDF source stated that the fire was probably intentionally and not a spillover form the civil war being waged there. The IDF responded with artillery toward Syrian military posts. Hits were confirmed.
Since the start of the operation, over 971 rockets have been launched at Israel. 754 of those rockets hit Israel, and approximately 201 rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. The IDF has targeted over 1,474 terror targets, with both naval and aerial capabilities.
By Aryeh Savir
Tazpit News Agency
