IDF OPERATION IN THE GAZA STRIP

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IDF Spokesperson
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IDF Operation in the Gaza Strip

• During the day, the IAF carried out approximately
  51 sorties to the Gaza Strip and attacked Hamas
  targets. The targets included weapon stockpiles
  and arsenals, rocket manufacturing facilities,
  training camps, command centers, communication
  rooms and additional targets.
• The IDF has massed armored and ground forces
  along the border with Gaza in preparation for any
  eventuality.

IDF Spokesperson
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IDF Operation in the Gaza Strip

• Following an extended period of restraint and as
  part of its right and obligation to defend the
  safety of its citizens, the Government of Israel
  has ordered the IDF to take measures against
  Hamas and other terrorist organizations. These
  measures are directed at Hamas and other
  terrorist infrastructure. They are part of an
  effort to create more favorable defensive
  conditions for an extended period.
• The war on terrorism and terrorist infrastructure
  is ongoing and arduous. The IDF is prepared to
  expand its activity, including a ground offensive
  if needed, and will continue in accordance with
  the strategic assessments. The operation will
  continue for as long as required.

IDF Spokesperson
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IDF Operation in the Gaza Strip

• The IDF is doing its utmost to avoid civilian
  casualties.
• Careful targeting of military sites.
• Leaflets distributed telling civilians to
  distance themselves from concentrations of
  weapons and combatants.
• SMS and phone warnings sent to residents in
  specifically targeted areas.
• In contrast, Hamas specifically targets Israeli
  civilians. Since the end of the State of Calm
  between Israel and Gaza,
• 4 Israeli killed (3 today)
• 24 wounded (4 seriously 8 moderately)

IDF Spokesperson
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Hamas Targets Hit by the IAF
IDF Spokesperson
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Rockets and Mortar Hits in Israel

• Yesterday, the Palestinian terror organizations,
  particularly Hamas, continued to fire rockets and
  mortars towards Israeli cities and communities.
  The rockets fired were of various ranges - the
  longest range today was 37 km and hit in the area
  of Ashdod. Approximately 37 Qassam rockets, 11
  mortar shells and 11 Grad rockets have been fired
  since yesterday morning (29/12), Killing 2
  Israeli civilians in the cities of Ashqelon and
  Ashdod.

30/12/08 1600
29/12/08
Total rockets launched 72 Total mortar shells
launched 14 Total Grad rockets 11 Civilians
killed 2 Soldiers killed 1 Civilians wounded
19 Soldiers wounded 5
Total rockets launched 14 Total mortar shells
launched 5 Total Grad rockets 2
IDF Spokesperson
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Rockets and Mortar Hits in Israel
Tahadiya-State of Calm

• Since the beginning of Operation Cast Lead (Dec
  27), over 250 Kassam Rockets,
• Mortar Shells and Grad Rockets were launched
  by Hamas and other terror organizations
• from the Gaza Strip to Israel.

IDF Spokesperson
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Humanitarian Aid

• The IDF is doing its utmost to assist with
  humanitarian aid and will not allow the
  humanitarian conditions in Gaza to deteriorate.
  Hamas bears sole responsibility for the closing
  of the crossings and for the suffering endured by
  the Palestinian civilian population.
• The IDF continues to coordinate activities with
  international organizations such as ICRC, WFP and
  UNRWA in order to facilitate the passage of
  humanitarian aid.
• Today, Israel transferred 57 trucks of
  humanitarian aid into Gaza.
• In addition, the COGAT authorized the transfer of
  5 Red Cross ambulances and one Jordanian truck
  with 1,000 blood units into Gaza.

IDF Spokesperson
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Focal Points

• Following an extended period of restraintand as
  part of its right and obligation to defend the
  safety of its citizensthe Government of Israel
  has ordered the IDF to take measures against
  Hamas and other terrorist organizations. These
  measures are directed at destroying Hamas and
  other terrorist infrastructure in an effort to
  create more favorable defensive conditions for an
  extended period.
• The war on terrorism and terrorist infrastructure
  is an arduous one. The IDF is prepared to expand
  its operations as necessary and will proceed
  according to its strategic assessments. The
  operation will continue for as long as is
  required.
• Hamas operates intentionally from within the
  midst of densely populates areas. It uses Gazas
  civilians as human shields. Hamas locates weapons
  and ammunition stores in the basements of
  apartment buildings. It fires rockets and
  mortars from within school and hospital grounds.
  Children are sent to collect rocket launchers.
• Hamas preparations are designed to force the IDF
  to act in populated areas. This tactic is similar
  to Hezbollahs in southern Lebanon, and
  demonstrates the scope of information-exchange
  between members of the radical axis led by Iran.
• Hamas has undertaken a monumental effort in
  creating a tunnel network and placing IEDs
  alongside the roads, to challenge IDF operations
  in the Gaza Strip. Hamas has created a minefield
  in the heart of Gazas civilian neighborhoods.
• The IDF is doing its utmost to ensure the
  continued flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
  Hamas bears sole responsibility for the closing
  of the crossings and for the suffering endured by
  the Palestinian civilian population.

IDF Spokesperson
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IDF Spokesperson