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IDF tanks enter Gaza Strip
IDF forces sent several tanks into the northern Gaza Strip near the town of Beit Lahiya on Thursday. The tanks are several hundred meters inside the security fence, providing the IDF an additional means to battle Qassam rocket fire in the area.This is the first time that IDF tanks have entered Gaza since the ceasefire took effect six months ago. During the months of restraint, the defense establishment has been following with concern Hamas' gaining in strength in the strip. The group and other terror organizations have been amassing arms, including antitank missiles, which may be put to use in the current confrontation. Until this week, the IDF refrained from a ground incursion in Gaza, concentrating instead on operations near the border fence in search of explosive devices. On Wednesday the IDF launched an air strike against a Hamas command post, an attack which marked an end to Israel's policy of restraint in the Strip. Six Qassams were fired at Israel's south Thursday. One rocket directly hit a classroom at the Shaar Hanegev school, severely damaging the structure. Two people were lightly injured in the attack and several others suffered from shock. Head of the Shaar Hanegev local council Alon Shuster said that there were still a few classrooms in the school which had not been fortified. "Only the students that had to take their matriculation exams came to school today, and they were placed in fortified classrooms," he stated. The real news here is that Israeli kids have to go to school in fortified classrooms because of rocket attacks, but that not newsworthy to the MSM. Posted by: phil_b 2007-05-17 |
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