Day one of the aerial assault against Hamas’ terrorist infrastructure in Gaza was successful by all accounts.

IDF officials report that 60 combat helicopters and fighter jets struck no less than 170 Hamas targets. 60 of the strikes were direct hits. Some of the targets include police headquarters, training bases, government offices, rocket storage facilities and rocket manufacturing facilities.

According to PA (Palestinian Authority) reports, at least 225 people were killed, with Israel stating at least 150 of them being Hamas terrorists. 750 people are reported injured. Among the dead was a Hamas police commander and the governor for the Central District of Gaza.

Approximately 50 Kassam launchers were taken out while 110 rockets were fired at Israel with 64 landing in southern Israel. Beber Vaknin HY”D, 58, from Netivot, was killed in a rocket strike. Nine other were seriously and moderately injured.

Schools have been closed in the Greater Sderot Area until further notice. Sirens were heard on Shabbos for the first time in Ashdod and Kiryat Gat.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)