IDF Launches Gaza Action - Official IDF Statement

The IDF Spokesperson wishes to emphasize that anyone sponsoring terror,
hosting terror in his house, housing terror in his basement and sending his
wives and children to serve as human shields- is considered a terrorist.

Dec 26th, 2008
IDF SPOKESPERSON ANNOUNCEMENT

Israeli Air Force aircraft, attacked a short while ago, a series of Hamas
targets and infrastructure facilities, in the Gaza Strip. All Israeli pilots
returned safely to their bases. The IDF will continue its operations against
terror in accordance with constant state assessments held be the IDF Chief
of General Staff. This operation will be continued, expanded and intensified
as much as will be required.

The Air Force activity came as a result of the continuation of terror
activity by Hamas terror organization from the Gaza Strip, and the duration
of rocket launching and targeting Israeli civilians.

The targets that were attacked were located by intelligence gathered during
the last months and include Hamas terror operatives that operated from the
organization's headquarters, training camps and weaponry storage warehouses.

The Hamas government leaders and operatives, which activate terror from
within civilian population centers, are the sole bearers of responsibility
for Israel's military response. This response is crucial for preserving
Israel's security interests.

The IDF Spokesperson wishes to emphasize that anyone sponsoring terror,
hosting terror in his house, housing terror in his basement and sending his
wives and children to serve as human shields- is considered a terrorist.

The IDF will continue its activity against terror activities according to
operational assessments held by the Chief of the General Staff.

The IDF is ready to widen and deepen its activity against all terror
organizations in the Gaza Strip, as long as it is necessary.

In addition, the Homefront Command and emergency authorities, took all
necessary measures for preparing the civilian population.