12 nov 2019
IDF tanks heading to the Gaza border Tuesday video
Israeli army bolsters Gaza border presence, says Iron Dome has intercepted dozens of rockets; Islamic Jihad rules out truce mediation 'while martrys' blood is not yet dry' after Israel kills group's commander in predawn airstrike
The IDF said Tuesday evening that 190 rockets had been fired from Gaza since the morning hours, after the targeted killing of Islamic Jihad commander Baha Abu al-Atta in a predawn airstrike in Gaza City.
The Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted dozens of rockets, the army said, with a success rate of around 90%. More than half of the rockets landed in open areas, according to the IDF.
The killing sparked a massive barrage of rocket fire on Israeli towns and cities in the south and as far as Tel Aviv in the center of the country.
The IDF was bolstering its forces in the Gaza Division on Tuesday evening, deploying tank convoys and armored vehicles to the border as rocket fire continued.
Hamas warned Israel on Tuesday evening against escalating its strikes on Gaza .
"Israel is the one who has committed a crime and the world sees it," Hamas said.
"If the cycle of aggression is expanded, the resistance will have many options."
The IDF also said Tuesday evening that its aircraft had attacked two terrorist operatives of Islamic Jihad in the northern Gaza Strip as they were preparing to launch rockets.
A volley of rockets was then fired at the Sderot area, with Iron Dome intercepting at least one rocket.
Education Ministry director Shmuel Abuav told Ynet that as things stand, there will be no studies in educational institutions from Tel Aviv southwards on Wednesday, but a final decision will be made after a situation assessment and depending on developments in the coming hours.
The IDF said Tuesday afternoon it had launched multiple strikes on Islamic Jihad targets in the Gaza Strip after failing to calm the situation.
The IDF said its tanks had fired on three Islamic Jihad military positions in the Gaza Strip.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Tuesday afternoon for a security briefing with Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, who headed the military during the 2014 war in Gaza.
Netanyahu met earlier with the security cabinet, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi and Shin Bet Director Nadav Argaman.
At least 160 rockets were launched at southern and central Israel from Gaza after the strike that killed Abu al-Atta. The Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted at least 60 rockets, but a handful scored direct hits on houses, businesses and even a central highway.
Israel shuttered all educational institutions in the center and the south of the country and told people who were not in essential professions to remain home or near a bomb shelter.
In Netivot, a home suffered a direct injury; no injuries were reported. Earlier in the day, a house on Sderot also sustained a direct strike, but no injuries were reported there either.
Despite Israeli declarations that "quiet will be met with quiet," Islamic Jihad on Tuesday dismissed the possibility of immediate ceasefire negotiations.
"It is too early to talk about mediation or communication,' the group said. "The martyrs' blood is not yet dry. The factions will not allow Netanyahu to use this crime for Israeli political purposes."
Islamic Jihad's leader in Gaza Khaled al-Batsh said: "The campaign against Israel is ongoing. We will not allow it to change the rules of our military conflict. We have no choice but confrontation and nothing will prevent us from responding to this assassination."
Hamas added: "The resistance has begun to respond and is united. The factions are meeting in the Gaza Strip.
"The enemy will be surprised by Palestinian resistance capabilities. The resistance will have the last word and it is its duty to respond to Israel's attacks."
Israeli army bolsters Gaza border presence, says Iron Dome has intercepted dozens of rockets; Islamic Jihad rules out truce mediation 'while martrys' blood is not yet dry' after Israel kills group's commander in predawn airstrike
The IDF said Tuesday evening that 190 rockets had been fired from Gaza since the morning hours, after the targeted killing of Islamic Jihad commander Baha Abu al-Atta in a predawn airstrike in Gaza City.
The Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted dozens of rockets, the army said, with a success rate of around 90%. More than half of the rockets landed in open areas, according to the IDF.
The killing sparked a massive barrage of rocket fire on Israeli towns and cities in the south and as far as Tel Aviv in the center of the country.
The IDF was bolstering its forces in the Gaza Division on Tuesday evening, deploying tank convoys and armored vehicles to the border as rocket fire continued.
Hamas warned Israel on Tuesday evening against escalating its strikes on Gaza .
"Israel is the one who has committed a crime and the world sees it," Hamas said.
"If the cycle of aggression is expanded, the resistance will have many options."
The IDF also said Tuesday evening that its aircraft had attacked two terrorist operatives of Islamic Jihad in the northern Gaza Strip as they were preparing to launch rockets.
A volley of rockets was then fired at the Sderot area, with Iron Dome intercepting at least one rocket.
Education Ministry director Shmuel Abuav told Ynet that as things stand, there will be no studies in educational institutions from Tel Aviv southwards on Wednesday, but a final decision will be made after a situation assessment and depending on developments in the coming hours.
The IDF said Tuesday afternoon it had launched multiple strikes on Islamic Jihad targets in the Gaza Strip after failing to calm the situation.
The IDF said its tanks had fired on three Islamic Jihad military positions in the Gaza Strip.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Tuesday afternoon for a security briefing with Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, who headed the military during the 2014 war in Gaza.
Netanyahu met earlier with the security cabinet, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi and Shin Bet Director Nadav Argaman.
At least 160 rockets were launched at southern and central Israel from Gaza after the strike that killed Abu al-Atta. The Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted at least 60 rockets, but a handful scored direct hits on houses, businesses and even a central highway.
Israel shuttered all educational institutions in the center and the south of the country and told people who were not in essential professions to remain home or near a bomb shelter.
In Netivot, a home suffered a direct injury; no injuries were reported. Earlier in the day, a house on Sderot also sustained a direct strike, but no injuries were reported there either.
Despite Israeli declarations that "quiet will be met with quiet," Islamic Jihad on Tuesday dismissed the possibility of immediate ceasefire negotiations.
"It is too early to talk about mediation or communication,' the group said. "The martyrs' blood is not yet dry. The factions will not allow Netanyahu to use this crime for Israeli political purposes."
Islamic Jihad's leader in Gaza Khaled al-Batsh said: "The campaign against Israel is ongoing. We will not allow it to change the rules of our military conflict. We have no choice but confrontation and nothing will prevent us from responding to this assassination."
Hamas added: "The resistance has begun to respond and is united. The factions are meeting in the Gaza Strip.
"The enemy will be surprised by Palestinian resistance capabilities. The resistance will have the last word and it is its duty to respond to Israel's attacks."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi speak from the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv on Tuesday
PM says operation to eliminate 'ticking bomb' Baha Abu al-Atta approved 10 days ago, carried out with maximum success and minimum collateral damage; Netanyahu and Kochavi both urge Israelis to heed Home Front Command instructions
Israel does not want an escalation of violence after the IDF killed an Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi said Tuesday, but warned the country was prepared for such a scenario and would even use further targeted killings to protect itself.
Kochavi was speaking alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Shin Bet Director Nadav Argman said Tuesday after the three emerged from an hours-long security cabinet meeting at the military headquarters in Tel Aviv.
"We are preparing air, naval and ground defenses as well as for continued fighting. If we must, we will also move to targeted killings," Kochavi said.
"Baha Abu al-Atta was the senior commander of Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip. He was the man responsible for most of the attacks that emanated from the Gaza Strip during the past year and even before," he said.
"He was responsible for sniper fire and shooting attacks, he was responsible for dozens of rocket strikes.
"He was responsible for the rocket fire 10 days ago and the rocket fire two days before Remembrance Day and a further long string of attacks.
"He was the man who greatly undermined security and stability in the south of the country - especially in the communities bordering the Gaza Strip. He was the man who took every action to sabotage attempts to calm the situation with Hamas."
Abu al-Atta was killed along with his wife in a surgical IDF strike on a house in Gaza City at around 4am Tuesday morning. Islamic Jihad and Hamas both vowed retribution for the strike.
The response came soon after, with dozens of rockets being fired at communities across southern and central Israel.
At least 29 people were treated for shock and minor injuries sustained as they ran for their bomb shelters. Two people were lightly hurt by shrapnel.
Flanked by Kochavi and Argaman, the prime minister said the operation to kill Abu al-Atta was unanimously approved by the cabinet 10 days ago and was jointly carried out with "maximum success" by the IDF and the Shin Bet.
According to Netanyahu, Abu al-Atta "was in the midst of planning further attacks. He was a ticking bomb."
He said that the IDF and the Shin Bet "identified a unique window of opportunity... with maximum success and minimal collateral damage."
The prime minister also said that Israel jad no wish to see an escalation in Gaza, but that the country would "do whatever it takes to protect ourselves."
Netanyahu urged Israelis to follow the instructions of the IDF Home Front Command.
PM says operation to eliminate 'ticking bomb' Baha Abu al-Atta approved 10 days ago, carried out with maximum success and minimum collateral damage; Netanyahu and Kochavi both urge Israelis to heed Home Front Command instructions
Israel does not want an escalation of violence after the IDF killed an Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi said Tuesday, but warned the country was prepared for such a scenario and would even use further targeted killings to protect itself.
Kochavi was speaking alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Shin Bet Director Nadav Argman said Tuesday after the three emerged from an hours-long security cabinet meeting at the military headquarters in Tel Aviv.
"We are preparing air, naval and ground defenses as well as for continued fighting. If we must, we will also move to targeted killings," Kochavi said.
"Baha Abu al-Atta was the senior commander of Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip. He was the man responsible for most of the attacks that emanated from the Gaza Strip during the past year and even before," he said.
"He was responsible for sniper fire and shooting attacks, he was responsible for dozens of rocket strikes.
"He was responsible for the rocket fire 10 days ago and the rocket fire two days before Remembrance Day and a further long string of attacks.
"He was the man who greatly undermined security and stability in the south of the country - especially in the communities bordering the Gaza Strip. He was the man who took every action to sabotage attempts to calm the situation with Hamas."
Abu al-Atta was killed along with his wife in a surgical IDF strike on a house in Gaza City at around 4am Tuesday morning. Islamic Jihad and Hamas both vowed retribution for the strike.
The response came soon after, with dozens of rockets being fired at communities across southern and central Israel.
At least 29 people were treated for shock and minor injuries sustained as they ran for their bomb shelters. Two people were lightly hurt by shrapnel.
Flanked by Kochavi and Argaman, the prime minister said the operation to kill Abu al-Atta was unanimously approved by the cabinet 10 days ago and was jointly carried out with "maximum success" by the IDF and the Shin Bet.
According to Netanyahu, Abu al-Atta "was in the midst of planning further attacks. He was a ticking bomb."
He said that the IDF and the Shin Bet "identified a unique window of opportunity... with maximum success and minimal collateral damage."
The prime minister also said that Israel jad no wish to see an escalation in Gaza, but that the country would "do whatever it takes to protect ourselves."
Netanyahu urged Israelis to follow the instructions of the IDF Home Front Command.
Three more Palestinians were killed this evening in the ongoing Israeli airstrikes on the besieged Gaza Strip, according to medical sources, bringing the total killed so far today to 10.
The sources said three men were brought dead to the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza after they were hit by a missile fired by an Israeli warplane.
Israel started its aggression on Gaza early this morning with the assassination of Islamic Jihad leader Bahaa Abu al-Atta in a missile attack at his home that also killed his wife and injured his five children and a neighbor.
The Palestinians responded with a barrage of rocket attacks on bordering Israeli towns, causing damage but no serious injuries.
Israel reacted with several airstrikes on the northern Gaza Strip during the day and night killing eight more people.
Update: 10 Palestinians Killed; 45 Wounded by Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza
Tuesday’s escalation by Israeli forces has caused the deaths of ten Palestinians, with more than 45 civilians wounded by Israeli airstrikes, according to local sources.
In the latest spate of bombings, the victims have been identified as:
Abdullah Awad Saqib al-Bilbisi, 26
Abdul Salam Ramadan Ahmad Ahmad, 28
Wael Abdul Aziz Abdullah Abdul Nabi, 43
Rani Fayez Rajab Abu al-Nasr, 35
Jihad Ayman Ahmed Abu Khater, 22
These five, killed in airstrikes on Tuesday afternoon, are in addition to the five killed earlier in the day by Israeli bombs.
Local sources report that Israeli F16 bombers continue to circle the skies above Gaza, causing panic and shock for the 2 million residents of the Gaza Strip.
In response to the bombardment, U.S. presidential candidate and former vice president Joe Biden issued a statement on Twitter in which he did not mention the 10 Palestinians killed and 45 wounded, but condemned instead the Palestinian resistance for firing rockets into Israel which caused no casualties, saying “Israel has a right to defend itself against terrorist threats. It is intolerable that Israeli civilians live their lives under the constant fear of rocket attacks.”
Updated from: Updated: Army Kills Five Palestinians, Injures 25, In Gaza – Nov 12, 2019 @ 17:41
The Palestinian Health Ministry has confirmed, Tuesday, that a Palestinians died from serious wounds he suffered earlier after the Israeli army fired missiles targeting several Palestinians in Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza.
The Health Ministry said the Palestinian, identified as Ibrahim Ahmad ad-Dabous, 23, died from serious wounds he suffered in the Salateen area, northwest of Beit Lahia.
His family said he just married just two months ago.
He was seriously injured when the army killed Zaki Ghannam, 25, after it fired missiles targeting several resistance fighters in Beit Lahia, in the northern part of the coastal region, also leading to the injury of three Palestinians.
Updated From: Tuesday; Army Kills Four Palestinians, Injures 25, In Gaza – Nov 12, 2019 @ 17:02
As the Israeli army continued its bombardment of several parts of the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian was killed, and three others were injured; the death brings the number of Palestinians, killed by Israeli missiles in the Gaza Strip, Tuesday, to four, while at least 25 others have been injured.
The Palestinian, identified as Zaki Ghannam, 25, was killed when the army fired missiles targeting several resistance fighters in Beit Lahia, in the northern part of the coastal region, also leading to the injury of three Palestinians.
The Islamic Jihad said the slain Palestinian was one of its fighters. He was from Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza.
The Israeli army also fired many missiles into several parts of the Gaza Strip, including apartment buildings in Gaza city, and the al-Manara neighborhood in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the coastal region.
Palestinian armed resistance groups in Gaza said they fired more than 150 shells into Israeli areas, including Tel Aviv, Asqalan, Sderot, and Haifa.
Earlier Tuesday, Israeli soldiers killed a Palestinian teen, identified as Mohammad Atiyya Hammouda, 18, and seriously injured two others, in Jabalia, in northern Gaza.
The escalation started after the Israeli army assassinated Baha’ Abu al-‘Ata, 42, a senior leader of the Islamic Jihad, after firing missiles at a residential building in Gaza city, also killing his wife, Asma’, and wounding their siblings Salim, Mohammad, Lian, and Fatima az-Zahra’, in addition to their neighbor Hanan Hallas, were injured.
It is worth mentioning that the Israeli army also attempted to assassinate a senior leader of the Islamic Jihad in the Syrian capital, Damascus, killing two, including his son, and injuring nine others, among them the grandson of the leader.
The al-Mayadeen News Agency has reported that the Israeli Air Force struck the home of Akram al-Ajjouri with two missiles, killing his son Moath, and wounding his granddaughter. The strike also led to the death of Abdullah Yousef Hasan, and the injury of eight other civilians.
The Islamic Jihad said it fired a barrage of shells into several Israeli areas in retaliation for the Israeli offensive, and that it will not be part of any mediation or truce talks.
One of the shells hit a house in Eshkol regional council, and one hit a house in Sderot, in addition to a highway in the central part of the country.
Israeli missiles struck homes, buildings, and the headquarters of the Independent Commission for Human Rights in Palestine (IHCR), which occupies the fifth, sixth and seventh floors of a multi-story building near the Palestinian Legislative Council in the center of Gaza City.
The sources said three men were brought dead to the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza after they were hit by a missile fired by an Israeli warplane.
Israel started its aggression on Gaza early this morning with the assassination of Islamic Jihad leader Bahaa Abu al-Atta in a missile attack at his home that also killed his wife and injured his five children and a neighbor.
The Palestinians responded with a barrage of rocket attacks on bordering Israeli towns, causing damage but no serious injuries.
Israel reacted with several airstrikes on the northern Gaza Strip during the day and night killing eight more people.
Update: 10 Palestinians Killed; 45 Wounded by Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza
Tuesday’s escalation by Israeli forces has caused the deaths of ten Palestinians, with more than 45 civilians wounded by Israeli airstrikes, according to local sources.
In the latest spate of bombings, the victims have been identified as:
Abdullah Awad Saqib al-Bilbisi, 26
Abdul Salam Ramadan Ahmad Ahmad, 28
Wael Abdul Aziz Abdullah Abdul Nabi, 43
Rani Fayez Rajab Abu al-Nasr, 35
Jihad Ayman Ahmed Abu Khater, 22
These five, killed in airstrikes on Tuesday afternoon, are in addition to the five killed earlier in the day by Israeli bombs.
Local sources report that Israeli F16 bombers continue to circle the skies above Gaza, causing panic and shock for the 2 million residents of the Gaza Strip.
In response to the bombardment, U.S. presidential candidate and former vice president Joe Biden issued a statement on Twitter in which he did not mention the 10 Palestinians killed and 45 wounded, but condemned instead the Palestinian resistance for firing rockets into Israel which caused no casualties, saying “Israel has a right to defend itself against terrorist threats. It is intolerable that Israeli civilians live their lives under the constant fear of rocket attacks.”
Updated from: Updated: Army Kills Five Palestinians, Injures 25, In Gaza – Nov 12, 2019 @ 17:41
The Palestinian Health Ministry has confirmed, Tuesday, that a Palestinians died from serious wounds he suffered earlier after the Israeli army fired missiles targeting several Palestinians in Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza.
The Health Ministry said the Palestinian, identified as Ibrahim Ahmad ad-Dabous, 23, died from serious wounds he suffered in the Salateen area, northwest of Beit Lahia.
His family said he just married just two months ago.
He was seriously injured when the army killed Zaki Ghannam, 25, after it fired missiles targeting several resistance fighters in Beit Lahia, in the northern part of the coastal region, also leading to the injury of three Palestinians.
Updated From: Tuesday; Army Kills Four Palestinians, Injures 25, In Gaza – Nov 12, 2019 @ 17:02
As the Israeli army continued its bombardment of several parts of the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian was killed, and three others were injured; the death brings the number of Palestinians, killed by Israeli missiles in the Gaza Strip, Tuesday, to four, while at least 25 others have been injured.
The Palestinian, identified as Zaki Ghannam, 25, was killed when the army fired missiles targeting several resistance fighters in Beit Lahia, in the northern part of the coastal region, also leading to the injury of three Palestinians.
The Islamic Jihad said the slain Palestinian was one of its fighters. He was from Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza.
The Israeli army also fired many missiles into several parts of the Gaza Strip, including apartment buildings in Gaza city, and the al-Manara neighborhood in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the coastal region.
Palestinian armed resistance groups in Gaza said they fired more than 150 shells into Israeli areas, including Tel Aviv, Asqalan, Sderot, and Haifa.
Earlier Tuesday, Israeli soldiers killed a Palestinian teen, identified as Mohammad Atiyya Hammouda, 18, and seriously injured two others, in Jabalia, in northern Gaza.
The escalation started after the Israeli army assassinated Baha’ Abu al-‘Ata, 42, a senior leader of the Islamic Jihad, after firing missiles at a residential building in Gaza city, also killing his wife, Asma’, and wounding their siblings Salim, Mohammad, Lian, and Fatima az-Zahra’, in addition to their neighbor Hanan Hallas, were injured.
It is worth mentioning that the Israeli army also attempted to assassinate a senior leader of the Islamic Jihad in the Syrian capital, Damascus, killing two, including his son, and injuring nine others, among them the grandson of the leader.
The al-Mayadeen News Agency has reported that the Israeli Air Force struck the home of Akram al-Ajjouri with two missiles, killing his son Moath, and wounding his granddaughter. The strike also led to the death of Abdullah Yousef Hasan, and the injury of eight other civilians.
The Islamic Jihad said it fired a barrage of shells into several Israeli areas in retaliation for the Israeli offensive, and that it will not be part of any mediation or truce talks.
One of the shells hit a house in Eshkol regional council, and one hit a house in Sderot, in addition to a highway in the central part of the country.
Israeli missiles struck homes, buildings, and the headquarters of the Independent Commission for Human Rights in Palestine (IHCR), which occupies the fifth, sixth and seventh floors of a multi-story building near the Palestinian Legislative Council in the center of Gaza City.
The Palestinian resistance started on Tuesday morning to launch rocket counterattacks on Israeli targets and settlements in response to the assassination of Islamic Jihad military commander Bahaa Abul-Ata and his wife in a dawn airstrike on their house in the Gaza Strip.
Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, said it fired a volley of rockets at Tel Aviv city, triggering sirens across its neighborhoods and suburbs.
Other resistance factions also launched retaliatory attacks on different Israeli areas. video Ashdod video Netivot settlement video Sderot
According to Times of Israel newspaper, rocket sirens trilled repeatedly starting at 6 o’clock in the morning in towns near the Gaza border. An hour later, alarms were triggered in the Tel Aviv suburbs of Rishon Lezion and Holon, as well as in the cities of Gedera and Ashdod. video
At approximately 8 a.m. rocket sirens sounded in Tel Aviv itself and in the nearby suburbs of Holon and Bat Yam. video
Different Hebrew news reports claimed that 10 Israelis were injured by Palestinian rockets.
Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, said it fired a volley of rockets at Tel Aviv city, triggering sirens across its neighborhoods and suburbs.
Other resistance factions also launched retaliatory attacks on different Israeli areas. video Ashdod video Netivot settlement video Sderot
According to Times of Israel newspaper, rocket sirens trilled repeatedly starting at 6 o’clock in the morning in towns near the Gaza border. An hour later, alarms were triggered in the Tel Aviv suburbs of Rishon Lezion and Holon, as well as in the cities of Gedera and Ashdod. video
At approximately 8 a.m. rocket sirens sounded in Tel Aviv itself and in the nearby suburbs of Holon and Bat Yam. video
Different Hebrew news reports claimed that 10 Israelis were injured by Palestinian rockets.
Baha’ Abu al-‘Ata, 42, and his wife Asma’ Abu al-Ata
The Israeli army killed, on Tuesday at dawn, a senior leader of the Islamic Jihad Movement, and his wife, after firing several missiles into a building in the Sheja’eyya area, east of Gaza city, also wounding many members of their family, in addition to a female neighbor. video
The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad in Palestine, said the army assassinated Baha’ Abu al-‘Ata, 42, and his wife Asma’ Abu al-Ata, in addition to wounding their siblings, Salim, Mohammad, Lian, and Fatima az-Zahra’, in addition to their neighbor Hanan Hallas.
All wounded Palestinians were rushed to the Shifa Medical Center in Gaza.
In an official statement, the al-Quds Brigades has confirmed the death of Abu al-‘Ata, and said he was one of its prominent leaders and personally supervised various attacks against the Israeli army, and added that he was also subject to numerous assassination attempts by Israel.
The Brigades also stated that Israel is declaring war, and that Tel Aviv will witness the retaliation and the repercussions of this assassination.
“Our response will be huge; the enemy is responsible for the outcome of its crimes, and will pay for them,” the brigades added.
The brigades started firing shells into Israel almost an hour after the army assassinated its leader and his wife.
In addition, the Hamas movement and its military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, also issued statements vowing “fierce and painful retaliation.”
Israeli sources have reported that alarm sirens were sounded in many areas south of the country, including in Ashdod, Ashkelon Beit Elazari, Karmia, and Zikim, Rishon Le Zion, and even in Holon and Rishon Le Zion suburbs in Tel Aviv.
Israel daily Haaretz has reported that all schools were canceled, and bomb shelters were opened in Tel Aviv and many surrounding areas, and in Jerusalem.
It is worth mentioning that the Israeli army, and the Shin Bet, issued a joint statement claiming responsibility for assassinating the senior Islamic Jihad leader, and added that the strike was approved by Israeli Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu’s office said the offensive was recommended by the Israeli Army Chief of Staff and the Shin Bet (Israel’s internal security service) and was approved by Netanyahu.
The strike came just hours before Netanyahu is scheduled to hand the defense portfolio to Naftali Bennet from the Hayamin Hehadash (The New Right) party.
In related news, the Israeli army closed all border terminals in the besieged Gaza Strip and decreased the fishing zone to six nautical miles.
All schools in Gaza have been closed amidst mounting tension of a possible massive Israeli offensive against the coastal region.
It is worth mentioning that the Israeli Air Force also carried out an attempted assassination attack targeted a Palestinian Islamic Jihad leader in the Syrian capital, Damascus, but instead killed his son.
Syrian sources said the assassination attempt targeted Akram al-Ajjouri, but led to the death of his son Moath, in addition to another person, and injured ten others, including his daughter Batoul.
The Israeli army killed, on Tuesday at dawn, a senior leader of the Islamic Jihad Movement, and his wife, after firing several missiles into a building in the Sheja’eyya area, east of Gaza city, also wounding many members of their family, in addition to a female neighbor. video
The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad in Palestine, said the army assassinated Baha’ Abu al-‘Ata, 42, and his wife Asma’ Abu al-Ata, in addition to wounding their siblings, Salim, Mohammad, Lian, and Fatima az-Zahra’, in addition to their neighbor Hanan Hallas.
All wounded Palestinians were rushed to the Shifa Medical Center in Gaza.
In an official statement, the al-Quds Brigades has confirmed the death of Abu al-‘Ata, and said he was one of its prominent leaders and personally supervised various attacks against the Israeli army, and added that he was also subject to numerous assassination attempts by Israel.
The Brigades also stated that Israel is declaring war, and that Tel Aviv will witness the retaliation and the repercussions of this assassination.
“Our response will be huge; the enemy is responsible for the outcome of its crimes, and will pay for them,” the brigades added.
The brigades started firing shells into Israel almost an hour after the army assassinated its leader and his wife.
In addition, the Hamas movement and its military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, also issued statements vowing “fierce and painful retaliation.”
Israeli sources have reported that alarm sirens were sounded in many areas south of the country, including in Ashdod, Ashkelon Beit Elazari, Karmia, and Zikim, Rishon Le Zion, and even in Holon and Rishon Le Zion suburbs in Tel Aviv.
Israel daily Haaretz has reported that all schools were canceled, and bomb shelters were opened in Tel Aviv and many surrounding areas, and in Jerusalem.
It is worth mentioning that the Israeli army, and the Shin Bet, issued a joint statement claiming responsibility for assassinating the senior Islamic Jihad leader, and added that the strike was approved by Israeli Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu’s office said the offensive was recommended by the Israeli Army Chief of Staff and the Shin Bet (Israel’s internal security service) and was approved by Netanyahu.
The strike came just hours before Netanyahu is scheduled to hand the defense portfolio to Naftali Bennet from the Hayamin Hehadash (The New Right) party.
In related news, the Israeli army closed all border terminals in the besieged Gaza Strip and decreased the fishing zone to six nautical miles.
All schools in Gaza have been closed amidst mounting tension of a possible massive Israeli offensive against the coastal region.
It is worth mentioning that the Israeli Air Force also carried out an attempted assassination attack targeted a Palestinian Islamic Jihad leader in the Syrian capital, Damascus, but instead killed his son.
Syrian sources said the assassination attempt targeted Akram al-Ajjouri, but led to the death of his son Moath, in addition to another person, and injured ten others, including his daughter Batoul.
3 nov 2019
Mayor Alon Davidi points out that residents of Sderot unable to move on from their trauma, unlike rest of country, as siren's blare cripples everyday life in southern city
After another weekend was disturbed by rocket fire launched from Gaza at the southern border town of Sderot, residents and local leaders were taken back to days of fear and trauma, appealing to the government to find solutions.
Albert Abuhatzeira, a resident whose home was damaged by shrapnel in Friday's attack, spoke about the moments of horror as sirens began blaring.
"By the time we got to the shelter, there were already explosions outside as the rockets landed," said Abuhatzeira.
Abuhatzeira also shared his frustration, calling on lawmakers, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in particular, to act against the threat posed from Gaza.
"While we are in constant distress, they just tell us that the Government's Security Cabinet will assemble. Are we second rate citizens," said Abuhatzeira. "You don't want to send troops into Gaza? Fine. We have enough great pilots in the Air Force who can debilitate the other side, something must be done".
Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi agreed with the criticism sounded by the residents, criticizing what he sees as ineptitude on the government's side, despite continued pleas from local leaders to deal Hamas a fatal blow, even if it would entail a ground incursion.
"We are unable to just get on with it. We live in a difficult reality, finding ourselves running like crazy to find a shelter all the time," said Davidi. "I told the prime minister that there is a terror campaign that has been ongoing for 18 years. Someone is making our lives miserable: Islamic Jihad's commander Baha Abu al-Ata, and while we live in fear, he walks around free".
Former chief IDF coordinator for the West Bank and Gaza, Major General Eitan Dangot said he expected the army to strike back at those responsible for launching the rockets into civilian communities.
"Under the Egyptian brokered understandings between Israel and the Gaza based terror groups, the current situation appeared beneficial for Hamas," said Dangot. "The Rafah border crossing has been opened and money has been flowing into the organization's pockets, while Israel observes the Palestinian factions build their strength".
The Islamic Jihad is following instructions from Tehran. To combat that reality Israel needs a functioning government, able to detect threats and adjust policies accordingly. Still, I don't advocate all-out war at this point".
After another weekend was disturbed by rocket fire launched from Gaza at the southern border town of Sderot, residents and local leaders were taken back to days of fear and trauma, appealing to the government to find solutions.
Albert Abuhatzeira, a resident whose home was damaged by shrapnel in Friday's attack, spoke about the moments of horror as sirens began blaring.
"By the time we got to the shelter, there were already explosions outside as the rockets landed," said Abuhatzeira.
Abuhatzeira also shared his frustration, calling on lawmakers, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in particular, to act against the threat posed from Gaza.
"While we are in constant distress, they just tell us that the Government's Security Cabinet will assemble. Are we second rate citizens," said Abuhatzeira. "You don't want to send troops into Gaza? Fine. We have enough great pilots in the Air Force who can debilitate the other side, something must be done".
Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi agreed with the criticism sounded by the residents, criticizing what he sees as ineptitude on the government's side, despite continued pleas from local leaders to deal Hamas a fatal blow, even if it would entail a ground incursion.
"We are unable to just get on with it. We live in a difficult reality, finding ourselves running like crazy to find a shelter all the time," said Davidi. "I told the prime minister that there is a terror campaign that has been ongoing for 18 years. Someone is making our lives miserable: Islamic Jihad's commander Baha Abu al-Ata, and while we live in fear, he walks around free".
Former chief IDF coordinator for the West Bank and Gaza, Major General Eitan Dangot said he expected the army to strike back at those responsible for launching the rockets into civilian communities.
"Under the Egyptian brokered understandings between Israel and the Gaza based terror groups, the current situation appeared beneficial for Hamas," said Dangot. "The Rafah border crossing has been opened and money has been flowing into the organization's pockets, while Israel observes the Palestinian factions build their strength".
The Islamic Jihad is following instructions from Tehran. To combat that reality Israel needs a functioning government, able to detect threats and adjust policies accordingly. Still, I don't advocate all-out war at this point".
A house in Sderot which suffered a direct hit
Speaking at weekly cabinet meeting PM responds to the cross-border fighting over the weekend in Gaza, saying Israel is in a 'very sensitive' security environment to its south, north and east
The prime minister says the military will continue to strike its enemies, including through covert missions, after a weekend flareup of violence in the Gaza Strip.
Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at the weekly cabinet meeting Sunday,convened a day after Israel struck a series of sites linked to Gaza's Hamas rulers in response to a late-night barrage of rocket fire, one of which hit a house in the town of Sderot. Although no one claimed responsibility for the rockets, Israel holds Hamas responsible for all attacks coming out of the territory.
Netanyahu said Israel is in a "very sensitive" security environment to its north, south and east.
"We will continue to act in all fronts for the security of Israel, both through open means and also through secret means, at sea, in the air and on the ground," he said.
The prime minister also addressed the criticism leveled at him by the family of soldier Hadar Goldin, killed during 2014 Gaza war, known as Operation Protective Edge, and whose body has been held in the Hamas-controlled enclave ever since. The family also criticized Coordinator of POWs and MIAs Yaron Bloom for not doing enough to bring back her son.
"We will continue our efforts to return our captives and MIAs. I want to say on this issue that I have full confidence in Yaron Bloom who is doing his work in a credible, serious and professional manner.
Speaking at weekly cabinet meeting PM responds to the cross-border fighting over the weekend in Gaza, saying Israel is in a 'very sensitive' security environment to its south, north and east
The prime minister says the military will continue to strike its enemies, including through covert missions, after a weekend flareup of violence in the Gaza Strip.
Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at the weekly cabinet meeting Sunday,convened a day after Israel struck a series of sites linked to Gaza's Hamas rulers in response to a late-night barrage of rocket fire, one of which hit a house in the town of Sderot. Although no one claimed responsibility for the rockets, Israel holds Hamas responsible for all attacks coming out of the territory.
Netanyahu said Israel is in a "very sensitive" security environment to its north, south and east.
"We will continue to act in all fronts for the security of Israel, both through open means and also through secret means, at sea, in the air and on the ground," he said.
The prime minister also addressed the criticism leveled at him by the family of soldier Hadar Goldin, killed during 2014 Gaza war, known as Operation Protective Edge, and whose body has been held in the Hamas-controlled enclave ever since. The family also criticized Coordinator of POWs and MIAs Yaron Bloom for not doing enough to bring back her son.
"We will continue our efforts to return our captives and MIAs. I want to say on this issue that I have full confidence in Yaron Bloom who is doing his work in a credible, serious and professional manner.
2 nov 2019
Israeli sources reported that Palestinian resistance groups fired around 8 rockets across the border from Gaza into Israel Friday night, with one of the projectiles causing slight damage to a house in southern Israel.
Israeli residents of the town of Sderot reportedly ran into bomb shelters as a siren sounded throughout the town, warning of ‘rocket fire’ from Palestinians.
According to the Israeli military, seven of the eight projectiles fired by the Palestinian resistance on Friday night were intercepted by their anti-rocket ‘defense’ system, Iron Dome.
The projectiles were fired around 9 pm, according to local sources, and Israelis in the town of Sderot went into shelters following the sounding of the siren in the town.
Israeli medics reported a single injury during the incident: a women who tripped and fell during the rush to the underground bunker.
Israeli residents of the town of Sderot reportedly ran into bomb shelters as a siren sounded throughout the town, warning of ‘rocket fire’ from Palestinians.
According to the Israeli military, seven of the eight projectiles fired by the Palestinian resistance on Friday night were intercepted by their anti-rocket ‘defense’ system, Iron Dome.
The projectiles were fired around 9 pm, according to local sources, and Israelis in the town of Sderot went into shelters following the sounding of the siren in the town.
Israeli medics reported a single injury during the incident: a women who tripped and fell during the rush to the underground bunker.
Ahmad Mohammad Shahri, 27
The Health Ministry in the besieged Gaza Strip has confirmed that one Palestinian was killed, on Saturday at dawn, and three others were injured, in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the coastal region.
The army also fired many missiles into several areas in the Gaza Strip, after alleging that “projectiles were fired from Gaza.”
Dr. Ashraf al-Qedra, the spokesperson of the Health Ministry in Gaza, said one Palestinian, identified as Ahmad Mohammad Shahri, 27, was killed by the Israeli missiles, in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the coastal region. video video video
He added that three other Palestinians were injured, before they were rushed to Nasser Hospital, in Khan Younis. video
The Israeli army claimed it was retaliating to “projectiles” that were reportedly fired from the Gaza Strip, into the nearby Negev town of Sderot.
Israeli sources did not report injuries, but stated that the Iron Dome intercepted seven shells, and added that one woman, in her sixties, was mildly wounded when she “fell while heading to a protected area.”
Very minor damage was reported in a wall of one home, while the windshields of a few cars were shattered.
Media sources in Gaza said the army fired many missiles into thirteen sites across the coastal region, causing serious property damage to several buildings and homes.
Among the targeted areas are sites run by the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, in Khan Younis and Rafah, in addition to two other sites in northern Gaza, and one in central Gaza, in addition to farmlands, east of Gaza city.
Hamas spokesperson, Fawzi Barhoum, warned Israel of the consequences of escalation against the Gaza Strip and stated that the resistance is ready for any possible scenario.
The Health Ministry in the besieged Gaza Strip has confirmed that one Palestinian was killed, on Saturday at dawn, and three others were injured, in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the coastal region.
The army also fired many missiles into several areas in the Gaza Strip, after alleging that “projectiles were fired from Gaza.”
Dr. Ashraf al-Qedra, the spokesperson of the Health Ministry in Gaza, said one Palestinian, identified as Ahmad Mohammad Shahri, 27, was killed by the Israeli missiles, in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the coastal region. video video video
He added that three other Palestinians were injured, before they were rushed to Nasser Hospital, in Khan Younis. video
The Israeli army claimed it was retaliating to “projectiles” that were reportedly fired from the Gaza Strip, into the nearby Negev town of Sderot.
Israeli sources did not report injuries, but stated that the Iron Dome intercepted seven shells, and added that one woman, in her sixties, was mildly wounded when she “fell while heading to a protected area.”
Very minor damage was reported in a wall of one home, while the windshields of a few cars were shattered.
Media sources in Gaza said the army fired many missiles into thirteen sites across the coastal region, causing serious property damage to several buildings and homes.
Among the targeted areas are sites run by the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, in Khan Younis and Rafah, in addition to two other sites in northern Gaza, and one in central Gaza, in addition to farmlands, east of Gaza city.
Hamas spokesperson, Fawzi Barhoum, warned Israel of the consequences of escalation against the Gaza Strip and stated that the resistance is ready for any possible scenario.
