IAF strikes 2 targets in Gaza following Ashdod Grads

Hamas sent secret message to Israel saying it is doing "everything" to stop rocket fire, according to Channel 10 report.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
IAF airstrike Gaza_311 reuters (photo credit: Ibraheem Abu Mustafa / Reuters)
IAF airstrike Gaza_311 reuters
(photo credit: Ibraheem Abu Mustafa / Reuters)
Air Force fighter jets struck two targets in Gaza early on Saturday in response to a double-Grad rocket attack on Ashdod that shattered a six-day cease-fire.
Friday’s Palestinian rocket- fire triggered warning sirens in the southern port city on Friday, and sent residents fleeing for cover. The rockets exploded in open areas, failing to cause injuries or damages.
RELATED:Reality Check: Last thing we need is a 2nd round in GazaVideo: Iron Dome intercepts Grad rocket fired from Gaza
Hours later, warplanes flew over Gaza and struck two terror targets, an IDF spokesman said.
“An accurate strike was identified, and the planes returned to base safely,” the spokesman added.
No details were provided on the targets that were struck.
“The IDF will not tolerate fire on the South, and views Hamas as being responsible,” said the spokesman.
Palestinian sources did not report any injuries in Gaza following the air strikes, and it was not immediately clear which organization in Gaza fired the rockets.
Some reports suggested al- Qaida-affiliated Salafi jihadi members had fired the Grads in spite of a Hamas order to all armed factions to respect the cease-fire.
On Friday night, Channel 10 news said Hamas sent a message to Israel saying it was “doing everything” to halt rocket attacks on southern Israel. The message, reportedly sent last week, was aimed at preventing a wider IDF offensive in Gaza following an escalation in attacks.
Channel 10 said the message was sent to Israel by senior Hamas figure Mahmoud Zahar, via Egypt.
Last month, OC Southern Command Maj.-Gen. Tal Russo said Hamas was losing control of Gaza, and that small radical organizations were creating anarchy in the Strip.
Beaches in Ashdod were partially filled on Saturday, with some residents choosing to enjoy the sunshine despite Friday’s rockets, according to media reports.
Others, however, chose to remain at home.