IDF infantry units operated in Gaza on Tuesday as Israel is stepping up efforts to target terrorists responsible for ongoing Qassam rocket attacks. In addition, the air force struck a number of times, killing and wounding a number of terrorists.

Infantry soldiers at about 14:00 detected terrorists, opening fire at them. They reported a number of hits. A Givati Brigade soldier was moderately wounded by sniper fire while operating in northern Gaza on Tuesday. He was transported by chopper to the trauma unit of Beersheva’s Soroka Medical Center.

Two terrorists were eliminated in air forces strikes over Gaza on Tuesday, including a senior Islamic Jihad commander. Close to midnight, the air force struck terrorist targets east of Sajayieh, pounding the area for some 40 minutes.

PA sources report three terrorists were injured in the Jabalya area close to 23:00 Tuesday night, two in serious condition. Shortly thereafter, rockets were launched into Israel. No injuries were reported in that attack.

Soldiers also operated near Khan Yunis on Tuesday, making a number of arrests. IDF soldiers deny the accuracy of a PA report that a soldier was injured in that operation.

Givati forces concentrated in Central Gaza, about a kilometer (6/10 mile) inside PA territory from Kissufim Crossing. IDF sources are calling the operation a limited expansion in the scope of counter-terror efforts, albeit a very limited one that will only last for a short duration.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)