Over 100 rockets were fired by Hamas-based terrorists in a 26 hour period. Close to 500,000 southern residents spent Shabbos in safe rooms and shelters.

The escalation in Hamas warfare began on Friday night Israel time Baruch Hashem, the IAF was able to act on credible accurate intelligence information, eliminating Popular Resistance Committee Commander Zuhair Qaisi and senior PRC member Ahmad Hanini. According to IDF officials, the two were in the final stages of launching a major attack against Israel. In subsequent aerial surgical strikes at least 10 Islamic Jihad terrorists were eliminated and dozens wounded. Baruch Hashem all aircraft returned safely to base. Israel reports at least 14 terrorists have been killed. Terrorists use the elimination of the two as the excuse for the latest round of rocket fire into civilian population centers in the south of the country.

The air strikes however were met with retaliatory rocket fire at southern residents including municipalities north of Ashkelon. It was a Shabbos of air raid sirens and sitting with families in safe rooms instead of walking to shul, zmiros and spending the sunny Shabbos outdoors.

Over 100 rockets were launched at southern Israel from Gaza. Of that number, 70 came over the border, with about 30 heading to the Beersheva area. Of those 30, at least 25 were neutralized in midair by the Iron Dome rocket defense system. B’chasdei Hashem, the majority of the other rockets landed in open areas, but overall, Israel did not escape unscathed.

Senior defense establishment officials in Israel praised the surgical strike that eliminated the PRC secretary-general, stating he was a heinous terrorist and his elimination makes the world a safer place. Defense Minister Ehud Barak explains that it appears the current “Escalation in warfare may last a number of days”. Minister of Homefront Affairs Matan Vilnai is quoted by Channel 2 News explaining that Hamas is doing everything possible to stop the rocket fire since the Hamas regime does not want a Cast Lead 2.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz recently commented that another major military incursion may be necessary due to the overall escalation of warfare and attacks emanating from Gaza.

Egypt’s state-run Mena news agency condemned Israel’s attacks, quoting Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel as saying “Egypt is highly distraught by the Israeli attacks…” Egypt is currently exerting efforts and making crucial calls for an immediate end to this Israeli escalation to end bloodshed of our brothers.”

Hamas’ Abu Obedia announced that “Israel will pay” for the strikes, vowing to exact vengeance for the deaths of terrorist operatives in Gaza.

Motzei Shabbos did not being any relief as sirens sounded in Ashdod and Gan Yavne at 18:20. Baruch Hashem those rockets landed in open areas and did not result in injuries or property damage. Israel News reports the air force is continuing to strike terrorists in Gaza as well.

Ofakim Mayor Tzvika Greenfeld told Channel 1 News that the current situation, a round of warfare every two-to-three months is unacceptable. He explains that Ofakim and other area residents are ready and willing to sit in safe rooms for as long as it takes but it is time for the IAF to bring an end to rocket fire once and for all.

Lachish District Police Chief Yoram Sofer explains that his entire district stands ready and emergency forces are working together and providing the necessary coverage and response to the warfare. Sofer stressed that the responsibility of protecting citizens remains at the top of his agenda, adding citizens have a responsibility regarding their own safety as well, urging them citizens to please listen to security forces and remain indoors in safe rooms. Needless to say police, EMS and other agencies are operating at heightened alert status.

Channel 1 News correspondent Amir Bar Shalom explained on motzei Shabbos that the fact that Iron Dome stood the test without a doubt saved lives, explaining it prevented rockets from landing in major population centers. The Channel 1 News correspondent adds that for the time being, Hamas is remaining out of the warfare, at least for the moment. He explains that it is clear to Hamas leaders that if the rocket fire is not halted, or alternatively escalates, a stepped-up Israeli response will follow, and Hamas government officials are not interested in such a situation.

Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon stated on Shabbos that the current administration will not tolerate a war of attrition and therefore, the leadership in Gaza should be well aware that all of them are fair game in Israel’s eyes and anyone will be eliminated if that is what it takes to halt the rocket fire, including Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Popular Resistance Committee terrorists. He simply told the news “they are all marked for death”.

As a result of the warfare all areas schools are closed on Sunday as military commanders continue to monitor the situation. The school closings include the Gaza border communities areas, Ashkelon, Beersheva, Ashdod and Kiryat Gat.

20:09: Reports from Gaza indicate the IAF has just strike another target in Gaza City. There are reports of injuries.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)