Gaza: Israel hits security HQ and rocket site Israel has carried out overnight air strikes against Gazas security headquarters and police stations, in the heaviest bombardment since operations began on 8 July. It also said its troops had carried out a brief raid against a rocket-launching site in the coastal territory. Israel says its territory was hit about 90 rockets fired from the Gaza Strip by Palestinian militants on Saturday. At least 159 Palestinians have died in the air strikes, Gaza officials say. They are said to include 17 members of one family who died in an Israeli missile strike on Saturday evening. The UN Security Council has called for a ceasefire and peace talks - the first time since Israels offensive began that they have issued a statement, with members previously divided on their response. Early on Sunday, Israeli air strikes destroyed most of the security headquarters and police stations run by Hamas Islamist militants, the BBCs Rushdi abu Alouf in Gaza reports. The homes adjacent to the security compound suffered extensive damage, as the headquarters are located in the densely populated neighbourhood of Tel al-Hawa in south Gaza, our correspondent adds. Exchange of fire Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on its official Twitter account: IDF forces raided a site used to fire long-range rockets at Israel. The mission was accomplished. During the mission, there was an exchange of fire. Four soldiers were lightly injured and all returned home safely, it added. It is believed to be the first time Israeli troops - thought to be naval commandos on this occasion - have entered Gaza since Israel launched Operation Protective Edge, which it says is aimed at stopping rocket attacks and destroying Hamas capabilities. Israels Iron Dome missile shield intercepted four rockets on Sunday morning above central and southern Israel, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reports. At least five Israelis have been injured this week by rocket and missile attacks, two of them seriously, but no Israelis have been killed by the attacks.
Posted on: Sun, 13 Jul 2014 05:30:05 +0000
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