IAF destroys Gaza Strip rocket launcher ready for action
Gaza militants fire 3 Qassams, four mortar shells into Israel during Yom Kippur; no injuries reported.
By Haaretz Service Tags: Hamas Gaza Israel newsThe Israel Air Force bombed a rocket launching device in the Gaza Strip Monday evening, which was aimed at Israel and set to fire, the Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson's Office reported. The IAF confirmed that the launcher was hit and destroyed.
Earlier Monday evening, a mortar shell was fired from Gaza at Israel, but apparently exploded within Palestinian territory.
The IAF strike came after several incidents of rocket and shell fire from the Hamas-ruled territory over the course of Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.
Three Qassam rockets exploded in the Negev, two Sunday night and one just hours before the IAF attack. No injuries or damage were reported in any of the incidents.
Monday morning, Palestinian militants opened fire at IDF troops patrolling the border fence between Israel and Gaza. An exchange of fire ensued, but none of the soldiers were hurt.
Shortly afterward, Gaza militants fired four mortar shells into Israel near the Kerem Shalom border crossing. The IDF registered the firing of another Qassam rocket, but could not locate the explosion site. The rocket apparently exploded within Palestinian territory.
On Friday, for the first time since ending its winter offensive in Gaza, the IDF killed three Islamic Jihad militants who were preparing to fire rockets into Israel.
Approximately 55 rockets and mortar shells have been launched at Israel during the last three months, totaling more than 250 since the end of Operation Cast Lead and more than 750 in 2009, the IDF said in a statement.
Why Facebook Connect?
Comment on Haaretz.com articles with your Facebook login, and share your thoughts on your own wall.
- Latest
- Most Viewed
- Most Rated
- Open all
The blockade was the result of the rockets, not the other way around
"No hostilites from Gaza would result in no reprecussions from Israel" If there was no Israeli blockade of Gaza, there would be no hostilities from Gaza towards Israel....
"No hostilites from Gaza would result in no reprecussions from Israel" Stop the blockade of Gaza and there would be no rockets.
As soon as they Gazan's stop beating themselves on the head with their hammer of hostility, the headaches that they've self-induced will stop
No hostilites from Gaza would result in no reprecussions from Israel Get it??? Nah, you don't and never will
then by all means, use it The IAF performed their mission to eliminate a rocket launcher, more power to them Just think, if the rocket launcher hadn't have been where it didn't belong, you wouldn't be able to wail & moan so much So let's just say the IAF will continue to do their job and you can pretend to be conserned
You might want to note this Israeli scholar and critic of the Zionist regime in the territories also. (see URL ) Dutch ( http://www.democracynow.org/2009/1/14/leading_israeli_scholar_avi_shlaim_israel
"When Israel left Gaza they had a perfect opportunity to live in peace" What chance did they have? Israel controls their borders, their sea, their airspace, who and what comes in and out. They had no way to create a viable economy with Israel ever present. Israel removed its settlers but did not leave Gaza. The Gazans today live in an open-air prison created by Israel for which Israel has received world condemnation. They are desperate people living in Israel-created hell. If I had to live in such a way, I might want to throw bricks over the fence too...
stomping out a homemade rocket laucher with 21st century military power. What bullies the US is propping up in Israel. It's down right criminal and people have a right to be angry and take to the streets against US/ Israeli policy. Dutch
They have brought upon themselves exactly what they deserve. When Israel left Gaza they had a perfect opportunity to live in peace BUT they attacked Israel whenever they could. If the Gazans want peace then let them overthrow Hamas.
...and my own, remember how the Gazans are made to suffer by Israel....
How much would you "celebrate life" if you were forced to live as the Gazans are by Israel? Do tell.
"They need their memories refreshed as to the fact that Israel will defend itself" You should remember that Gaza will never surrender to Israel, even as Israel crushes Gaza more and more every day...
"They need their memories refreshed as to the fact that Israel will defend itself" You should remember that Gaza will never surrender to Israel, even as Israel crushes Gaza more and more every day...
They need their memories refreshed as to the fact that Israel will defend itself.
so they were celebrating Yom Kippur? Don't think so! Cast steel will be next, And then cry..... You ask you'll get.
DID those fools think the Israeli would not protect themseves. They thought Israel would not fighgt on the holy day. WAke up a new breed has been born.
These boneheads never learn. The only language they understand is force. It will soon be time to remind them of the consequences of shelling Israel.
"If only they celebrated life instead of trying to destroy it". If only Israel would let them.
Is Israel allowed to drop bombs on rocket launchers? Don't they have to wait until the rockets kill an Israeli civilian before taking any action? (And any such action must guarantee that only the guilty Palestinian be hurt) Did Israel check with Mr. Goldstone first? Did Israel check with the Human Rights Commission? Or even Amnesty International?
Like Israel never bombed Gaza in Ramadan or Eid celebrations! as recently as this month. so please, cut the crap!
Seriously, what do you expect people to do when they have and still are being occupied for decades. Israel has sieged Gaza and the people need to get their message across that they will not take this anymore. I have to say firing rockets without aim is wrong and makes you just as bad as the Israeli terrorists. But i guess Palestinians would say how else can they get their message across.
Probably making an appearance on Al Jazerra.
to try to spoil a good celebration, whether it be Rosh Hashona with rockets or weddings with suicide bombs. If only they celebrated life instead of trying to destroy it.
Here we go again ,the Hamas the true representatives of the Palestinians sending a clear message to Obama ,we want war ,not your silly peace plans . Israel must remember as in Gaza so in the West Bank ,Israeli withdrawl ,will be followed by rocket fire on Tel -Aviv . Shana Tova .
Typical - the Arabs commit war-crimes and we can be sure the UN will condemn us for those crimes just like they have done for decades.