WarSclerotic

Hamas to Israel: Don’t test us – Israel News, Ynetnews.

Senior Hamas man killed in IDF strike in Gaza after dozens of mortar shells fired at Israel

Yoav Zitun

At least one senior Hamas man was killed and four civilians were wounded in an IDF strike Saturday, the Gaza Health Ministry spokesman said. 

The army struck several targets across the Strip after Hamas and other terror groups fired dozens of mortar shells at southern Israel earlier in the day.

Hamas Spokesman Ismail Radwan said the mortar barrages were a response to Israeli Air Force attacks that killed group members and warned Jerusalem “not to test Hamas’ response.” Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz visited southern communities targeted by the mortar attacks. The army chief entered homes damaged in the strikes, spoke with residents and also discussed the situation with the head of the Eshkol Regional Council. “We know what we’re doing, and as far as we’re concerned the situation is under control,” Gantz said at the conclusion of the visit.

Netanyahu vows firm response

Southern residents received warning of the incoming mortar shells via text messages and phone calls, quickly rushing to bomb shelters. As result of the quick action, only two residents sustained light wounds in the major barrages. Following the unusual scope of the Palestinian attack, the IDF decided to activate its multifaceted radar system in order to improve the alert given to residents. Following the mortar attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will respond firmly to any Gaza attack, and that every such incident will be met with a response.

Opposition leader Tzipi Livni also called for harsh response to the attacks. “Hamas does not recognize our right to exist here. It is no partner for peace and an agreement,” she said. “The right way to contend with it is through force, as Israel did during Operation Cast Lead and after it…as far as activity vis-à-vis Hamas is concerned, there are no disagreements between the opposition and the coalition.” Ilana Curiel contributed to the story

This entry was posted on March 19, 2011 at 7:37 PM and is filed under Uncategorized. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.