Hamas mortar shells explode near troops
The major firefight started at around 6:30 P.M. Monday in the Sajaiyeh neighborhood in east Gaza City. According to preliminary information gathered by the IDF, Hamas attacked with mortar shells that exploded near the troops.
Two Israelis wounded, one moderately
Hamas responded with additional mortar fire. In one of the strikes, near the border, two Israelis were wounded, one of them moderately.
IDF advances so are so effective that almost no launches are reported seen from from areas IDF now controls.
Sources in the IDF said the advance of the forces into the Strip forced the rocket-launching teams to retreat somewhat, with Sajaiyeh identified as main launch location. Practically no launches were seen from areas in which the IDF had taken control.
Hamas rockets strikes cause a number of people be treated for shock, and almost destroy a kindergarten.
Still, over 40 Qassam and Grad rockets were fired Monday from Gaza at southern Israel striking Ashkelon, Ashdod, Sderot, Kiryat Malakhi, near Ofakim, Netivot and Be'er Sheva. Hamas also fired rockets at the area between Ashdod and Gedera. A number of people in Sderot were treated for shock, and in Ashdod a rocket nearly destroyed a kindergarten. Inside Gaza, eight soldiers were slightly injured in other incidents in the Strip yesterday.
The rockets have not caused much physical damage, either to property or to Israelis. They certainly have a deep psychological impact. Note too, that even when the IDF "takes control" of an area, it is not complete control, because some rockets are still seen being fired from areas in the control of the IDF.
