Thursday, November 20, 2008

Terror from the Gaza Strip – update November 18, 2008

IDF update

On Nov. 4, the calm began to fall apart when the IDF received information that a tunnel had been dug to abduct soldiers. They blew up the tunnel and 7 terrorists were killed in the operation. Since then, over 140 rockets and mortar bombs have been launched at Israel, what Hamas calls "equal responses" to supposed Israeli violations Rocket and mortar attacks on Israeli civilian targets:

Nov. 4-17: A total of 104 rockets, 38 mortar shells and 5 Grad missiles landed in Ashkelon, Sderot, and 7 smaller communities. Several Israeli civilians were wounded, many more were treated for shock and stress, and property was damaged (Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center – ITIC).

A high security alert was declared in Ashkelon and communities surrounding the Gaza Strip. Soldiers were assigned to escort children to school.


Counterterrorism:

Nov. 16: The Israeli Air Force attacked a Popular Resistance Committees squad on its way to launch missiles near the Nahal Oz crossing. Four terrorist operatives were killed.

Nov. 14: the IAF carried out a pinpoint attack, targeting a squad of rocket launchers.

Nov. 13: In the last two weeks, IDF has changed tactics and has gone into the Gaza Strip to interdict planned attacks.

Nov 12: (IDF Spokesperson): IDF forces identified a number of armed gunmen attempting to place an explosive device (IED) near the security fence of the central Gaza Strip. The gunmen exchanged fire with the force that arrived at the location. Mortar bombs were fired at the IDF force, and an explosive device was detonated. The force fired at the armed gunmen and killed four of them. An IDF soldier was lightly wounded and taken to hospital for medical treatment. Various weapons and grenades were found on the bodies of the Palestinian gunmen.

The IDF has recently identified a significant rise in attempts to place explosive devices on the security fence of the Gaza Strip.

Nov. 8: Two explosive devices were discovered and detonated. Anti-tank missiles were fired towards an IDF vehicle, approximately 2 km west of Karni crossing. The IDF targeted a rocket-launching squad.

Nov. 6: IAF helicopter attacked a rocket-launching cell in northern Gaza; one terrorist killed.

Nov. 4-5: In a night operation, IDF destroyed a tunnel intended to be used to abduct Israeli soldiers. Six terrorists were killed and 4 IDF soldiers wounded in the operation.


Crossings: On the subject of the crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip, see:
Humanitarian assistance to Gaza since June calm understandings




מח' מידע ואינטרנט – אגף תקשורת
20.11.2008

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