Israeli military strikes Gaza in retaliation for mortar fire
Published January 9, 2014
Israel’s military struck Gaza twice in response to rocket attacks.
Israel Air Force planes launched two separate attacks on Gaza on Thursday morning in response to mortar fire at Israel Defense Forces Soldiers patrolling near the Israel-Gaza border fence.
Following the first attack early on Thursday, the IDF Spokesman’s Office said in a statement that Israeli planes targeted a group of terrorists about to launch rockets toward Israel.
“Following mortar attack, IDF intercepts terrorists during their final preparations to launch rockets towards Israel. No damage or injuries were reported amongst the soldiers,” the statement said.
Several hours later, close to noon, the Israel’s Air Force attacked what the IDF in a statement called a “terror site.” The statement said that “Direct hits were confirmed.”
“This ongoing conflict that we are facing on a daily basis cannot be endured by Israeli civilians,” IDF Spokesman Lt.-Col. Peter Lerner said in a statement. “It is the IDF’s obligation to operate to the best of its abilities to prevent such malicious terroristic intentions from terrorizing Israeli civilians and assaulting IDF soldiers. We will continue in our activities to deter all threats originating from the Gaza Strip.”
Israeli farmers were warned Thursday not to work any land located within one kilometer of the Gaza border, Haaretz reported.