GAZA CITY — Israel's military has launched its first attacks on the Gaza Strip since the Jewish state
withdrew from the area less than two weeks ago.
The Israeli attacks came amid heavy Palestinian missile fire on Israeli
communities. By early Sunday, Palestinian gunners fired about 50
Kassam-class short-range missiles into Israel during a 30-hour period.
The Israel Air Force struck Gaza City and the surrounding area several
times on Saturday, Middle East Newsline reported. In one strike, at least four suspected Palestinian
insurgents were killed and nine others were injured.
Nearly 40 of the missiles landed in the Israeli city of Sderot, which
canceled school until further notice. About 20 people were reported injured.
Palestinian sources said four Hamas operatives were killed in an Israeli
helicopter strike on two vehicles in the Jabalya refugee camp north of Gaza
City. An Israeli military statement confirmed the Saturday attack and said
one of the Palestinian vehicles was carrying weapons and the other was
transporting Hamas members.
Other Israeli air strikes targeted suspected Hamas weapons facilities in
Gaza City and Jabalya. The military reported that two suspected Hamas
weapons workshops in Gaza City were struck.
Hamas said Israel was responsible for an explosion on Sept. 23 in
Jabalya in which 19 people were killed and more than 100 were injured.
Witnesses and Palestinian Authority officials said a truck-load of Kassam
missiles exploded during a Hamas parade.
"Hamas brethrens must take responsibility for what has taken place," the
PA Interior Ministry said in a statement.
Israel's military was said to be on high alert and has deployed
infantry, armored and artillery units along the border with the eastern Gaza
Strip. But Israeli officials ruled out a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip,
saying the government of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon would consider
artillery attacks against Hamas targets.
"We have to make it clear to the Palestinians that Israel will not let
the recent events pass without a response," Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz
said in a statement. "The response needs to be overwhelming."
Hours later, Sharon convened senior ministers to discuss additional
military measures. Cabinet sources said Sharon assessed that Israel would
have to be prepared for continued Palestinian missile strikes.
"It's advisable to remember that Israel has left the Gaza Strip not to
return and conquer the area," Sharon was quoted as saying in the Cabinet
meeting.
