Reply #1: Mofaz orders air strikes in Gaza

[Scurrilous]

Israel air force to continue strikes in Gaza, defense minister orders Thursday; security officials instruct military to target Qassam launching sites with artillery fire, sabotage bridges, infrastructure; however, no ground operation planned in meantime

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3188837,00.html

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"Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz ordered the IAF on Thursday to continue air strikes deep into Palestinian territory in Gaza in response to ongoing Qassam attacks on Israel in recent days. The decision to carry on with the strikes was taken during a meeting Mofaz held with senior officials to evaluate the escalation in the security situation.

The evaluation was conducted under the heavy impression left by the Qassam fire on an Israeli army base south of Ashkelon, which took place early Thursday.

Mofaz instructed the air force to persist with strikes against areas in Gaza from which Qassams are launched, and ordered the IDF to act in a bid to block Palestinian access to launching pads.

The army was directed to conduct massive artillery fire at launch sites, while military aircrafts will target bridges and infrastructures.

However, the security officials currently refrain from initiating a ground operation in the Strip."