IDF recommends maintaining pressure on Hamas despite decline in Qassams

[bemildred]

Despite the sharp decline in the number of Qassam rockets fired from the Gaza Strip in the past two days, defense officials have recommended that Israel maintain military pressure on Hamas.

Only 13 rockets have been fired at Israel from Gaza in the past two days.

Senior Israel Defense Forces officers warned the cabinet that agreeing to a temporary cease-fire would help Hamas amass military strength and extend the range of its ballistic capabilities.

This would also enable Hamas to better its defensive deployment in anticipation of future Israeli incursions into the Gaza Strip, the officials said. Decision makers as well as senior IDF officers say they believe Hamas must not be allowed to walk away from the slaying of a Sderot woman Monday, who was struck by a Qassam rocket near her home.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/862600.html

[Eugene]

1. Israeli missile strikes near Palestinian PM's home

Source: Reuters

Israeli missile strikes near Palestinian PM's home

Fri May 25, 2007 12:10AM EDT

By Nidal al-Mughrabi

GAZA (Reuters) - Israel carried out an air strike near the
Gaza residence of Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh
of Hamas on Friday, but insisted he was not the target.

"Haniyeh's home definitely was not the target," an Israeli
army spokeswoman said.

"There was an air strike on a structure used by the Hamas
terrorist organization in Shati refugee camp."

Residents said a missile hit a caravan used by Hamas men
guarding a street leading to Haniyeh's home in Gaza,
wounding one person.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL1731780720070525