Shin Bet, IDF thwart terrorist attack in Gaza Strip

IAF airstrike stops cell that was planning to carry out shooting attack against IDF troops; Hamas military wing says 2 terrorists wounded.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Rocket launchers Gaza hospital 311 (photo credit: Malam)
Rocket launchers Gaza hospital 311
(photo credit: Malam)
The IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) on Monday attacked a terrorist cell in the southern Gaza Strip. The cell was planning to carry out a shooting attack against IDF troops, the IDF Spokesperson stated.
"The IDF will not tolerate any attempt to harm IDF soldiers and will continue to act firmly and strongly against anyone who uses terrorism against Israel. The Hamas terrorist organization is responsible for the Gaza Strip," said the statement.
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The joint operation was carried out by the Air Force's counter-terrorism squadron. 
The Shin Bet alerted the IDF of the terrorist plot on Sunday, and the Shin Bet  and Air Force coordinated a mission late at night to stop the cell from carrying out its planned attack against Israeli soldiers.
According to Hamas' military wing, the Izzadin Kassam Brigades, two terrorists were wounded in the attack, Hamas' official newspaper al-Resalah reported.
The incident came after a recent escalation in rocket fire from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel .
On Friday, IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz convened top brass to discuss the escalation in the south, including OC Southern Command Maj.-Gen. Tal Russo, Israel Air Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Ido Nehushtan and OC Military Intelligence Maj.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi.
Following the meeting, senior officers condemned Hamas for not taking action to rein in other terrorist organizations in Gaza that the IDF believes are behind the recent rocket fire. Since the beginning of last month, some two dozen rockets have been fired into Israel.