The Hamas-led terrorist entity in Gaza launched a heavy barrage of mortar shells against civilian targets in Israel Saturday. No one was hurt. Over 50 mortar shells exploded in the belt surrounding the terrorist entity.
Hamas took responsibility for the attack, which was the most intensive for a single day since early 2009, when Israeli forces ended a two-month counter-terrorist incursion into Gaza.
One shell scored a direct hit on a home in the kibbutz (socialist agricultural community) of Kissufim, and two people suffered light injuries. Most shells failed to cause casualties or damage.
The IDF fired back at Gaza, but unlike the terrorists, who fired at civilians, it aimed at known terror targets. Israeli tanks and aircraft attacked the targets and according to Arab reports, at least three Hamas terrorists were hurt.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Saturday that he viewed "the criminal attacks by Hamas against Israel's citizens" very gravely. "Israel will use all means to protect its citizens," he added.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz toured the communities hit by mortars and said that the IDF has the situation "under control."
