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Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division

IDF OPERATION IN THE GAZA STRIP

DAILY UPDATE – DAY 3 DECEMBER 29TH, 2008

THE MILITARY-STRATEGIC INFORMATION SECTION

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Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division

During the day, the IAF carried out approximately 51 sorties to the Gaza Strip and attacked Hamas targets. The targets included weapon stockpiles and arsenals, rocket manufacturing facilities, training camps, command centers, communication rooms and additional targets.

The IDF has massed armored and ground forces along the border with Gaza in preparation for any eventuality.

IDF Operation in the Gaza IDF Operation in the Gaza StripStrip

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Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division

IDF Operation in the Gaza IDF Operation in the Gaza StripStrip

Following an extended period of restraint and as part of its right and obligation to defend the safety of its citizens, the Government of Israel has ordered the IDF to take measures against Hamas and other terrorist organizations. These measures are directed at Hamas and other terrorist infrastructure. They are part of an effort to create more favorable defensive conditions for an extended period.

The war on terrorism and terrorist infrastructure is ongoing and arduous. The IDF is prepared to expand its activity, including a ground offensive if needed, and will continue in accordance with the strategic assessments. The operation will continue for as long as required.

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Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division

The IDF is doing its utmost to avoid civilian casualties. Careful targeting of military sites. Leaflets distributed telling civilians

to distance themselves from concentrations of weapons and combatants.

SMS and phone warnings sent to residents in specifically targeted areas.

In contrast, Hamas specifically targets Israeli civilians. Since the end of the “State of Calm” between Israel and Gaza, 4 Israeli killed (3 today) 24 wounded (4 seriously; 8

moderately)

IDF Operation in the Gaza IDF Operation in the Gaza StripStrip

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Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division

Hamas Targets Hit by the IAFHamas Targets Hit by the IAF

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Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division

The Palestinian terror organizations, particularly Hamas, are continuing to fire rockets and mortars towards Israeli cities and communities. The rockets fired were of various ranges - the longest range today was 37 km and hit in the area of Ashdod. Approximately 37 Qassam rockets, 11 mortar shells and 11 Grad rockets have been fired since this morning (29/12). One Qassam rocket hit a building in the city of Ashqelon, killing one Israeli civilian.

Rockets and Mortar Hits in Rockets and Mortar Hits in IsraelIsrael

Total rockets launched: 37

Total mortar shells launched: 11

Total Grad rockets: 11

Civilians killed: 2

Soldiers killed: 1

Civilians wounded: 19

Soldiers wounded: 5

29/12/08

Total rockets launched: 12

Total mortar shells launched: 18

Civilians killed: 0

Civilians wounded: 4

28/12/08

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Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division

Humanitarian Aid Humanitarian Aid

The IDF is doing its utmost to assist with humanitarian aid and will not allow the humanitarian conditions in Gaza to deteriorate. Hamas bears sole responsibility for the closing of the crossings and for the suffering endured by the Palestinian civilian population.

The IDF continues to coordinate activities with international organizations such as ICRC, WFP and UNRWA in order to facilitate the passage of humanitarian aid.

Today, Israel transferred 57 trucks of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

In addition, the COGAT authorized the transfer of 5 Red Cross ambulances and one Jordanian truck with 1,000 blood units into Gaza.

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Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division

Following an extended period of restraint—and as part of its right and obligation to defend the safety of its citizens—the Government of Israel has ordered the IDF to take measures against Hamas and other terrorist organizations. These measures are directed at destroying Hamas and other terrorist infrastructure in an effort to create more favorable defensive conditions for an extended period.

The war on terrorism and terrorist infrastructure is an arduous one. The IDF is prepared to expand its operations as necessary and will proceed according to its strategic assessments. The operation will continue for as long as is required.

Hamas operates intentionally from within the midst of densely populates areas. It uses Gaza’s civilians as human shields. Hamas locates weapons and ammunition stores in the basements of apartment buildings. It fires rockets and mortars from within school and hospital grounds. Children are sent to collect rocket launchers.

Hamas’ preparations are designed to force the IDF to act in populated areas. This tactic is similar to Hezbollah’s in southern Lebanon, and demonstrates the scope of information-exchange between members of the radical axis led by Iran.

Hamas has undertaken a monumental effort in creating a tunnel network and placing IEDs alongside the roads, to challenge IDF operations in the Gaza Strip. Hamas has created a minefield in the heart of Gaza’s civilian neighborhoods.

The IDF is doing its utmost to ensure the continued flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Hamas bears sole responsibility for the closing of the crossings and for the suffering endured by the Palestinian civilian population.

Focal PointsFocal Points