idf spokesperson

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IDF Spokesperson
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IDF Operation in the Gaza Strip

• During the day, the IAF carried out approximately
  56 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.
• At approximately 1630 the IAF targeted 39
  tunnels in the Rafah area. The tunnels were a
  part of the tunnel network used by the Hamas for
  smuggling weapons as part of their terror
  activity in the Gaza Strip. The tunnels were also
  used for the transfer of terror operatives from
  Egypt to the Gaza Strip and back.

IDF Spokesperson
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IDF Operation in the Gaza Strip

• The war on terrorism and terrorist infrastructure
  is ongoing and its success depends upon a
  determined, systematic course of action. The IDF
  is prepared to expand its activity, including a
  ground offensive if needed, and will continue in
  accordance with the strategic assessments.
• The IDF is doing its utmost in order to keep
  civilians out of harms way and is operating with
  extreme precaution in order to minimize civilian
  casualties as opposed to Hamas which places
  civilians as targets.

IDF Spokesperson
4
Rockets and Mortar Hits in Israel

• The Palestinian terror organizations,
  particularly Hamas, are continuing with the heavy
  rocket fire towards Israeli cities and
  communities. The rockets fired were of various
  ranges - the longest range was 37 km and hit in
  the area of Ashdod. Approximately 30 Qassam
  rockets and 10 mortar shells last night (29/12).
  one civilian was killed and 9 Israeli civilians
  were wounded (3 severely) by Qassam shrapnel in a
  construction site in Ashqelon.

29/12/08 1330
28/12/08
27/12/08
Total rockets launched 30 Total mortar shells
launched 10 Total Grad rockets 3 Civilians
killed 1 Civilians wounded 9
Total rockets launched 32 Total mortar shells
launched 18 Total Grad rockets 2 Civilians
killed 0 Civilians wounded 4
Total rockets launched 53 Total mortar shells
launched 16 Civilians killed 1 Civilians
wounded 6
IDF Spokesperson
5
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 Kerem Shalom crossing has been opened to the
  passage of trucks today. 23 Red Cross, WFP and
  UNRWA tracks crossed, transporting medications,
  medical equipment and food products into the Gaza
  Strip.
• The COGAT authorized the transfer of 15 Jordanian
  trucks with medicine, food and a 1,000 blood
  units into Gaza. The trucks are expected to pass
  tomorrow morning (29/12).

IDF Spokesperson
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The Humanitarian Efforts

• Humanitarian Aid transferred on December 28th via
  Kerem Shalom Crossing

• Humanitarian Aid planned for transfer on December
  29th via Kerem Shalom Crossing

IDF Spokesperson
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Focal Points

• Hamas operates intentionally from within the
  midst of densely populates areas and uses
  Palestinian civilians as human shields. As a
  result, weapon arsenals can be found in the
  basements of apartment buildings, shootings are
  performed from within schools and hospitals, and
  children are sent to collect rocket debris.
• Hamas is endangering the civilian population,
  placing them in the line of fire with a clear
  intent to challenge the IDF and force it to act
  in populated areas. This tactic is familiar to us
  from Hezbollah 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 the Gaza civilian neighborhoods.

IDF Spokesperson