IDF hits Gaza targets after Kassam lands near Ashkelon

Terrorists cell, smuggling tunnels attacked by IAF planes in response to rocket fire; Hamas strongman says group against escalation in Gaza.

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
tracers from kassam rockets 248.88 (photo credit: AP [file] )
tracers from kassam rockets 248.88
(photo credit: AP [file] )
IAF planes overnight Friday attacked targets in the northern and southern Gaza Strip.
The IDF Spokesperson Unit said that "a terrorist cell were attacked in the northern Gaza Strip, and a smuggling tunnel in southern Gaza."
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"Specific targets were identified, and all planes returned safely to their base," the statement continued. "The attack is in response to a high level of attacks against Israeli targets."
"The IDF will not tolerate any attempt to attack soldiers and civilians, and will continue to act against any organization that uses terrorism against Israel. The IDF views Hamas solely responsible for what is going on in the Gaza Strip, and preserving peace in it, " IDF statement said.
The attack came as a response to a Kassam rocket that was shot into Israeli territory early Friday evening.
The rocket exploded in an open field near Ashkelon. No injuries or damage was reported.
On Friday a Hamas strongman in Gaza said the group does not want an escalation in fighting with Israel despite a rise in violence in recent weeks.
Mahmoud Zahar said Hamas is "committed to the calm" that has largely held since Operation Cast Lead in the coastal strip nearly two years ago. But there has been an uptick in rocket and mortar fire into Israel and Israeli military airstrikes on Gaza recently.
Zahar insisted the unofficial cease-fire is not a sign of weakness. He spoke to thousands of supporters after Friday prayers in the southern Gaza town of Khan Yunis.

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Zahar also hinted that Hamas was using [the calm] to rearm and reorganize, and criticized rivals in the Palestinian Authority for fresh arrests of Hamas members in the West Bank.
On Thursday, the United Nations said that both Israel and Hamas had given indications that they want to reduce tensions in and around the Gaza Strip, Reuters reported.