Israeli airstrike kills police officer in Gaza

[News_Editor]

Israeli airstrike kills police officer in Gaza

2011-11-14 21:25:20 GMT+7 (ICT)

GAZA CITY (BNO NEWS) -- Israeli aircraft carried out an airstrike in the Gaza Strip on early Monday morning, killing at least one Palestinian police officer, officials said. It happened hours after Palestinian militants fired a rocket at southern Israel.

The Israeli Air Force aircraft fired at least four missiles at a building in the al-Sudaniya area in the northern Gaza Strip, killing a Palestinian in his 20s, according to the WAFA news agency. Israeli media identified the man as a Hamas police officer.

Four other people were injured as a result of the airstrike, according to the Palestine News Network (PNN). The report said three of the injured Palestinians were taken to Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya for treatment, while one person who was seriously injured was taken to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the building hit by the airstrike as a 'terror activity site', but gave no other details. "The targeting of this site was in response to the firing of a rocket at Israel on Sunday evening," a spokesperson said.

According to IDF figures, Palestinian militants have fired more than 10,000 rockets and mortars at southern Israel since 2001, killing 37 people and injuring more than 1,500 others. Israeli aircraft frequently carry out airstrikes in Gaza in response to rocket attacks.

"The IDF will not tolerate any attempt to harm the State of Israel and IDF soldiers, and will continue to operate against anyone who uses terror against the state of Israel," an IDF spokesperson said. "The Hamas terror organization is solely responsible for any terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza Strip."

In March, the Israeli military deployed its first Iron Dome missile defense system to stop some of the attacks from the Gaza Strip. It uses sophisticated radar to track, intercept and destroy incoming missiles. It also includes Tamir missile interceptors.

In the winter of 2008-2009, Israel launched a surprise attack on 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.

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