IAF strikes rocket launching squad in Gaza

Muaman Abu Daf, commander of al-Qaida affiliated 'Army of Islam,' confirmed dead; 5 others injured.

Kassam rocket being fired from Gaza Strip 311 (R) (photo credit: REUTERS/Darren Whiteside)
Kassam rocket being fired from Gaza Strip 311 (R)
(photo credit: REUTERS/Darren Whiteside)
The Israel Air Force struck a group of terrorists attempting to fire rockets into Israel Friday morning.
The
IDF confirmed that the air force struck its targets overnight. One person was killed in the attack and five were injured according to Hamas affiliated news outlet Al Resalah. Palestinian sources identified the deceased as Muaman Abu Daf, commander of the al-Qaida-affiliated 'Army of Islam.'
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The strike follows an escalation that occurred overnight Wednesday when terrorists fired five Kassams into Israel. The rockets landed in the Eshkol Regional Council and the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council. No injuries or damage were reported in any of the rocket attacks.
In response to the rocket fire, the IAF struck targets in the Strip, confirming hits against a tunnel used by terrorists in northern Gaza and a known center for terrorist activity in the center of the Strip. Palestinians reported no injuries.
Speaking on the third anniversary of Operation Cast Lead Tuesday, IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz said that Israel will “sooner or later” need to launch a large-scale operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
“I believe that the State of Israel cannot continue to live under the active threat of Hamas in the Gaza Strip,” Gantz said.
“Sooner or later, there will be no escape from conducting a significant operation. The IDF knows how to operate in a determined, decisive and offensive manner against terrorists in the Gaza Strip.”
Reuters contributed to this article.