Israel Air Force operations against targets in the Gaza Strip continued over the weekend following an increase in Qassam rockets launched from Gaza into Israel. A total of 18 Qassam rockets and mortar shells have been fired from inside the Gaza border since the beginning of July, including one that exploded on Saturday inside the Eshkol Regional Council. On Friday, in light of the increased rocket fire, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz held a special situation assessment of the communities bordering Gaza. Saturday's offensive followed the IAF bombing of two Gaza tunnels believed to be used for arms smuggling. Senior Israel Defense Forces officers said they considered the increased rocket fire from Gaza to be a grave development but were still reluctant to call the situation an escalation. The IDF holds Hamas responsible for the increase in rocket fire, claiming that Hamas is allowing other groups to fire the rockets into the western Negev. The IDF will not let this go on and will not accept attempts to inflict harm on the citizens of Israel, a statement released by the IDF spokesperson said. The IDF will retaliate forcefully at a time and place of its choosing.
IDF retaliates in Gaza Strip after Qassams hit Western Negev
A total of 18 Qassam rockets and mortar shells have been fired from Gaza since the beginning of July • Senior Israel Defense Forces officers consider the increased rocket fire from Gaza to be a grave development but still not an escalation.
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