IAF strikes Gaza targets in retaliation to rockets

Aircraft bomb weapons sites, smuggling tunnels in north, south Gaza; Palestinians report helicopter strike in east Gaza City.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
IAF strike in Gaza 370 (photo credit: REUTERS)
IAF strike in Gaza 370
(photo credit: REUTERS)
The Israel Air Force struck targets in the Gaza Strip overnight Sunday in retaliation to rocket fire Saturday which lightly injured seven Israeli civilians in Netivot and Beersheba.
Aircraft struck weapons manufacturing facilities, a terror activity site and a terror tunnel in the northern Gaza Strip, as well as a smuggling tunnels in the southern Gaza Strip, the IDF Spokesman's Office stated. IAF helicopters also hit targets east of Gaza City, according to Palestinian news agency Ma'an.
The IDF confirmed its aircraft registered direct hits on their targets.
In a statement released following the bombing, the IDF stated that the attack was in response to Palestinian rocket fire, and added that it "will not tolerate any attempt to harm Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers."
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Sunday vowed retribution for rocket fire into southern Israel from the Gaza Strip overnight Saturday, saying, "I am entirely obligated to make clear to the terrorists that they cannot fire rockets at Israel with impunity."
Palestinian terrorists from the Gaza Strip fired two Grad rockets into Israel overnight Saturday, damaging two buildings in Netivot and lightly injuring seven civilians. The attacks came just days after an escalation along Israel's southern border which resulted in the killing of six Palestinians the IDF said were plotting terrorist attacks against Israelis.
On Wednesday night, IAF aircraft targeted a terrorist squad in the central Gaza Strip during final preparations to fire rockets at Israel. Palestinian sources said at least three men were killed in the air strike, and one wounded. The cell had been involved in rocket fire on southern Israel in the past, according to the IDF.
On Thursday morning, the IDF attacked a terrorist cell attempting to place a bomb on the Gaza border. Infantrymen from the Givati Brigade along with tanks and aircraft successfully struck the cell. Palestinian sources said that three people were killed by IDF fire in the incident.
Towards the end of August, Palestinians fired several rockets at Israel, one of which struck and damaged a home in Sderot.