GAZA CITY — Israel's military is continuing operations in the northern
Gaza Strip in an attempt to prevent missiles strikes on the Jewish state.
Israeli infantry and armored units, backed by attack helicopters, have
been searching for Palestinian missile squads and arsenals in the northern
Gaza Strip. So far, the army has reported the elimination of one such squad.
On Monday, at least seven Palestinian insurgents were killed in a battle
with Israeli troops in Beit Hanoun, Middle East Newsline reported. Beit Hanoun has been regarded as the
launching pad for most Kassam-class, short-range missile strikes against the
nearby Israeli cities of Ashkelon and Sderot.
The Popular Resistance Committees confirmed the Israeli strike. A PRC
statement said the military targeted the head of organization's missile
branch, Ata Shindari.
The PRC said Shindari and one of his brothers were killed in the Israeli
attack. The Hamas-aligned organization vowed revenge.
"This is the calm before the storm," PRC spokesman Abu Abir said.
On Tuesday, the Israeli daily Yediot Aharonot said the PA has drafted
plans for a massive attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip. The newspaper said
the PA would use Kassam missiles, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons.
