Subscribe to Print Edition | Fri., November 07, 2008 Cheshvan 9, 5769 | | Israel Time: 03:12 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Haaretz Toolbar Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Car Rental Books Haaretz Magazine Business Real Estate U.S. election Travel Week's End Anglo File

Qassams slam into South after IDF hits Gaza By Amos Harel The ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants was violated yesterday, when Palestinians fired over 30 Qassams at Israeli cities in response to an incursion the previous day by Israel Defense Forces troops into the Gaza Strip that left six Hamas militants dead. One of the rockets landed in central Ashkelon, though no injuries or damage to property was reported. Advertisement Yesterday's Qassam rocket bombardment was the heaviest since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect last June. The IDF said its incursion into Gaza was aimed at thwarting an attempt by Palestinian militants to dig a tunnel into Israel. According to the IDF, Hamas militants planned to use the tunnel to abduct an Israeli soldier. Six IDF troops were hurt during the operation in the crossfire with the Palestinians, including two who sustained moderate wounds. They were evacuated to Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva, where they received treatment. "This was a surgical operation against a specific threat," IDF top brass said in response, explaining that the abduction attempt by Hamas militants utilizing the tunnel had been imminent, and was intended to improve the Islamic group's bargaining position against the Israeli government in prolonging the current ceasefire. Senior IDF officials yesterday said it was too early to determine whether the violence will lead to a large-scale breakdown of the truce with Hamas. They added that Israel is interested in maintaining the truce, and that the IDF withheld from carrying out a military response against the Qassam attacks. Senior Defense Ministry official Amos Gilad told Army Radio that the IDF decided to carry out the operation because it estimated there was a clear and immediate danger that militants will carry out an attack. . The IDF operation began on Tuesday evening when troops crossed into the Gaza Strip near the town of Deir al-Balah. They surrounded a house near where the tunnel was dug, and called its occupants to come out and surrender. One of the Hamas militants in the house was killed during the crossfire, allegedly when the explosive belt he had strapped on exploded. Five other Palestinian militants died nearby when a missile launched by an Israel Air Force helicopter impacted their vehicle. IDF troops withdrew back to Israel after blowing up the house. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Never walk alone It's safe to assume that Obama won't abandon Israel. Apprehensive in Israel Rightist MK Aryeh Eldad warns 'Israel should be wary of Barack Obama'

Read & React Obama kick-starts transition, picks Israeli Rahm Emanuel as chief of staff Responses: 220 World Bank: Palestinian economy could flourish if Israel eased restrictions Responses: 98 Gaza gunman killed in IAF strike, after day of renewed hostilities Responses: 67 PM heads to D.C. to wrangle last favors from Bush Responses: 53 Iran's Ahmadinejad offers congratulations to Obama Responses: 73 More Headlines 02:23 Obama, Olmert agree on need to advance Mideast peace talks 01:12 U.S. Jews laud Obama pick of Rahm Emanuel for chief of staff 22:39 Iran's Ahmadinejad offers congratulations to Obama 01:18 IDF troops film themselves humiliating bound Palestinian 22:36 ADL blasts Greek paper for branding Obama win `end of Jewish domination` 23:17 Gaza militants fire four Qassam rockets into western Negev 20:48 Barak: Kadima 'a party of air', Netanyahu like 'Santa Claus' 22:12 Livni: Israel-PA peace talks must proceed unchanged 23:05 IDF concludes large drill simulating double-front war in North 19:27 Palestinians boycott 'useless' Jerusalem mayoral election 15:29 Vatican: Jewish charges against Nazi-era pope are 'outrageous' 18:25 Fatah: Hamas arrests dozens of our activists in Gaza 17:10 Actor Hanan Goldblatt sentenced to 7 years in jail for rape 16:13 Arabs rally against construction of Jerusalem museum on Muslim cemetery Previous Editions Select Day 06 nov 05 nov 04 nov 03 nov 02 nov 31 oct 30 oct 29 oct 28 oct 27 oct 26 oct 24 oct

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