After rocket fire, IAF strikes Gaza munition depots
Palestinian hospital reports 2 wounded in strike; IDF says attack is response to rocket fire toward Israel, strikes were accurate.
By JPOST.COM STAFF
The IAF struck two weapons production and storage sites in the northern Gaza Strip overnight Monday in response to Gazan rocket fire toward Israel, the IDF Spokesman's Unit confirmed.The warplanes recorded accurate strikes and the IDF reported that all aircraft returned safely to their bases. The attack was a response to rocket and mortar fire."The IDF will not tolerate any attempt to harm Israeli citizens or IDF soldiers and will continue to operate against anyone who launches terror against Israel," the IDF wrote in a statement, adding that as the governing body in Gaza Hamas is the responsible party and therefore the target of its strikes.Hamas said the IAF shelled two compounds run by the its government's security services in Gaza. Two women in nearby homes were injured by flying debris, Palestinian hospital officials said.Seven rockets were fired into southern Israel in recent days, including three on Monday. No civilians were injured in the attacks.President Shimon Peres said Monday that he could not understand the stupidity of the ongoing rocket campaign being waged by Palestinian terrorists."If they fire, we will fire," Peres said at the opening of the Sha'ar Hanegev Technological High School. "Hamas and all terrorist organizations affiliated with Hamas in Gaza will pay the price for trying to harm innocent people and disrupt the opening of the school year in communities surrounding the Gaza Strip." To of the rockets fired that day fell quite close to the school he was visiting."Hamas needs to know that there will be strong repercussions from Israel if it persists in firing rockets at Israeli children," said the president.Reuters and Greer Fay Cashman contributed to this report