IDF OPERATION "CAST LEAD"
IN THE GAZA STRIP
DAILY UPDATE – DAY 3
DECEMBER 30TH, 2008
--שמור דובר צה"ל
IDF Spokesperson 2008 יולי
IDF Operation in the Gaza Strip
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.
--שמור דובר צה"ל
IDF Spokesperson 2008 יולי
IDF Operation in the Gaza Strip
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.
--שמור דובר צה"ל
IDF Spokesperson 2008 יולי
IDF Operation in the Gaza Strip
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)
--שמור דובר צה"ל
IDF Spokesperson 2008 יולי
Hamas Targets Hit by the IAF
--שמור דובר צה"ל
IDF Spokesperson 2008 יולי
Rockets and Mortar Hits in Israel
Yesterday, the Palestinian terror organizations, particularly Hamas, continued 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 yesterday morning (29/12), Killing 2 Israeli civilians in the
cities of Ashqelon and Ashdod.
Total rockets launched: 14 Total rockets launched: 72
Total mortar shells launched: 5 Total mortar shells launched: 14
Total Grad rockets: 2 Total Grad rockets: 11
Civilians killed: 2
Soldiers killed: 1
Civilians wounded: 19
Soldiers wounded: 5
--שמור דובר צה"ל
IDF Spokesperson 2008 יולי
Rockets and Mortar Hits in Israel
Qassam Rockets, Mortar Shells and Grad Rockets Launched
Since Hammas Takeover
600
512 503
475 500
Tahadiya-State of
373 Calm 400
333 341
Lunches
291 295
264 300
237
205
168 200
119
97
100
22 17 2 2
0
July. 07' Sep. 07' Nov. 07' Jan. 08' Mar. 08' May 08' July 08' Sep. 08' Nov. 08'
18 17
Aug. 07'' 16 15
Oct. 07' 14 Dec. 07' 12 Feb. 08' 10 Apr. 08'
13 11 9 7
8 June 08' 6 Aug. 08' 4 Oct. 08' 2
5 3 1
Dec. 08'
Months
Since the beginning of Operation “Cast Lead” (Dec 27), over 250 Kassam Rockets,
Mortar Shells and Grad Rockets were launched by Hamas and other terror organizations
from the Gaza Strip to Israel.
--שמור דובר צה"ל
IDF Spokesperson 2008 יולי
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.
--שמור דובר צה"ל
IDF Spokesperson 2008 יולי
Focal Points
• 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.
--שמור דובר צה"ל
IDF Spokesperson 2008 יולי
--שמור דובר צה"ל
IDF Spokesperson 2008 יולי