IAF Strikes Gaza in Response to Rocket Fire on Ashkelon

by Israel Hayom Staff and Reuters

Gaza terrorists fire two rockets into southern Israel on Monday morning • One rocket shot down over Ashkelon, other hits open area • In response, Israel Air Force targets two concealed rocket launchers in northern Gaza Strip, with direct hits confirmed.

An Israel Air Force plane takes flight [Illustrative] | Photo credit: Dudu Grunshpan

Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip launched two rockets into southern Israel early Monday morning. One of the rockets was intercepted by the Iron Dome over the city of Ashkelon and the other hit an open area. No injuries or damage were reported.

Later on Monday morning, Israel Air Force aircraft targeted two concealed rocket launchers in northern Gaza. Direct hits were confirmed, according to the Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson's Unit.

“This targeted strike, based on IDF intelligence and advanced air force capabilities, is an immediate response to the terrorist aggression and its infrastructure in Gaza," Lt. Col. Peter Lerner said. "Hamas must take responsibility for these actions or pay the price for inaction. We will continue to safeguard the civilians of the State of Israel, and prevent future attempts of terrorism formulating in the Gaza Strip."

On Sunday, two mortar shells were fired from Gaza into Israel, striking farmland in the Eshkol region near the border. No injuries or damage were reported, but agricultural workers were forced to leave the area.

Rocket and mortar fire from Gaza into Israel has been relatively infrequent since November 2012, when Israel conducted an eight-day military operation against terrorist groups in Gaza. 

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Monday's rocket attack. 

Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, is in the midst of a financial and political crisis following the fall from power of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.

Hamas also faces challenges from other, more radical, Islamic terror groups in Gaza.

Israel Hayom Staff and Reuters

Source: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=12891

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