IAF attacks Hamas terror tunnel in northern Gaza Strip

IDF says a number of Hamas operatives were reported to be in the tunnel during the bombing; operation carried out with Shin Bet.

By YAAKOV KATZ
F16 fighter jet (photo credit: Reuters)
F16 fighter jet
(photo credit: Reuters)
The Israel Air Force bombed a terror tunnel in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday that was being dug under the border so terrorists could infiltrate into Israel.
The IDF said that a number of Hamas operatives were also hit in the strike that was carried out jointly by the IDF and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency).
RELATED:Israel vows to avenge Gaza mortar barragePalestinian rocket slams into AshkelonAnalysis: Gaza escalation shows IDF deterrence eroding
The IDF said that the strike came in response to the weekend attacks by Hamas that included close to 50 mortar shells and at least two anti-tank missiles.
On Monday, The Jerusalem Post reported on mounting concern within the IDF regarding increased efforts by Palestinian terrorist groups to dig tunnels under the border that could be used to infiltrate into Israel and perpetrate attacks.
According to IDF sources, the number of tunnels has grown in recent years. Each Hamas brigade commander is under orders to dig “terror tunnels” along the section of the border under his command.
Tunnels have been used in the past by Hamas and other terrorist groups to infiltrate into Israel. The terrorists who abducted IDF soldier Gilad Schalit from his military post near Kerem Shalom, crossed into Israel through an underground tunnel.