IDF strikes three 'terror sites' in response to rocket and mortar shells from Gaza

[News_Editor]

IDF strikes three 'terror sites' in response to rocket and mortar shells from Gaza

2010-11-19 21:51:08 GMT+7 (ICT)

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (BNO NEWS) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday said that it struck three alleged 'terror sites' in the Gaza Strip in response to a Grad rocket and ten mortar shells which were fired at southern Israel.

Israel's southern communities in the town of Okafim, located in the western Negev region, were forced to hide out in bomb shelters after their communities were struck by the missile and mortar shells which were fired from Gaza.

The attack damaged a tanker truck, but no casualties or injuries were reported.

In response to the attack, the IDF said it targeted and reported direct hits on three 'terror sites.' There was no immediate word about casualties from the strikes in Gaza.

Since the beginning of 2010, more than 180 Grad missiles, Qassam rockets and mortar shells fired from the Gaza Strip have landed in Israeli territory.

The Israeli government holds Hamas, classified as a terrorist organization by most countries, solely responsible for maintaining the calm in the Gaza Strip and for any terrorist activity emanating from it. "The IDF will also continue to respond harshly to any attempt to use terror against the State of Israel," it warned.

In the winter of 2008-2009, Israel launched a surprise airstrike against the Gaza Strip which marked the beginning of a three-week military conflict between Israel and Hamas, killing nearly 1,500 people and leaving thousands more injured and displaced. Israel stated its aim was to stop rocket fire from and arms import into Gaza.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-11-19

[TAWP]

Take note: Mortal shells being shot directly into civilian areas. IDF responds, i.e. isn't the instigator to the events, and only target the suspected launch-sites.

[hobanse]

This and other war crimes

[Ulysses G.]

Take note: Mortal shells being shot directly into civilian areas. IDF responds, i.e. isn't the instigator to the events, and only target the suspected launch-sites.

You have WAY too much common sense to be posting here.

[Jingthing]

My feeling is that there is a long term WAR on. That's why the eternal quest for peace negotiations, yes? Israel going after threatening targets isn't a war crime, but one problem I do have is the overuse of the word terrorist. It's a war, why not just call them military targets? In actual wars, it isn't exactly novel to go after civilian targets, so I don't know if calling the Palestinian rocket launchers terrorists really cuts the mustard. Does this matter? Maybe not, but it seems to me being honest about what is actually happening, a long term war, might be a starting point towards stopping it.

[Ulysses G.]

It is because they do not wear uniforms in order to confuse the authorities, so can not be considered real soldiers.

It also makes it handy for using non-combatants as human shields.

Edited November 20, 2010 by Ulysses G.

[geriatrickid]

How about the launching of the missiles & rockets is intended to provoke an Israeli reaction so that it will provide an excuse for some groups to organize protests which in turn can be used to interfere and sabotage the end of conflict negotiations underway?

It never fails. Everytime the PLA and Israel start talking, the rockets and sabotage efforts start. There is a large group of people that do not want Isael and the PLA to reach an agreement. Pretty self evident that is.

[Jingthing]

I agree. There are strong forces on both sides that don't really want peace there and they always seem to be the winners.