IDF strikes PIJ targets overnight following ceasefire breach
According to Palestinian media, the IDF attacked four targets, with four Palestinians being lightly injured as a result.
By TAMAR URIEL-BEERI, IDAN ZONSHINERocket fired from Gaza toward Israel, November 12, 2019(photo credit: REUTERS)
The IAF carried out strikes on several Islamic Jihad targets on Thursday night, including a munitions factory, and the Khan Younis headquarters of the PIJ, home to several high ranking PIJ offices."The IDF considers the ceasefire breach and launching of rockets towards Israel very severe, is in high readiness and will continue to work, as much as necessary, against attempts to harm Israeli civilians," an IDF spokesperson said.According to Palestinian media, the IDF attacked four targets, with four Palestinians being lightly injured as a result.Earlier on Thursday, the PIJ broke the ceasefire agreement, sending another 5 rockets over the course of the day and into the evening.Sirens were heard in Nahal Oz, Tushiya, Alumim, Kfar Maimon on Thursday afternoon hours after a ceasefire was announced by the IDF and, a few hours later in the evening, sirens were heard again in Sderot, Sapir Academic College, Ibim, and Meflasim. The IDF claims that the earlier sirens went off in response to one rocket, which was intercepted over Netivot.The second round of sirens, however, was triggered by two rockets, according to the IDF. Channel 12 claimed that "some of them" were intercepted.Since Tuesday morning, hundreds of rockets were fired at Israel by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) after the targeted killing of its leader Bahaa Abu al-Ata.Palestinian media reports that riots broke out Thursday evening in Gaza, calling for revenge for the targeted assassination of Rasmi Abu Malhus, who was the commander of the rocket launching unit of the PIJ.Gaza border communities decided to hold off on letting children back into school so far. Lessons will resume on Sunday.
"We are in contact with the IDF and are reviewing the developments," the heads of the Gaza border communities' authorities said in a mutual statement. "There is currently no change in other defensive guidelines. The decision was made with concern for students and educational staff."The Al-Quds spokesman, Abu Hamza, is going to make a public statement at 8 p.m., according to the PIJ.
