Israeli army tanks led the inevitable retaliation Wednesday night after Islamic Jihad terrorists staged a massive missile and mortar shell attack on the Western Negev, firing at least 30 rockets according to the IDF and more than 60 according to the Islamic Jihad.
The army said eight missiles exploded in urban areas and that the exploded in open areas or within Gaza and caused no casualties. Property damage was minimal, but one woman broke her hip while running to a bomb shelter.
Artillery fire from tanks destroyed at least two terror targets in central Gaza and the Israeli Air Force bombed underground missile launchers ion an effort to bring immediate quiet to Western Negev residents, who has been ordered to stay in their homes after the barrage began towards sunset.
In anticipation of a strong reaction, Islamic Jihad and Hamas commanders have abandoned their offices and posts, and the Hamas Interior Ministry advised Gaza Arabs to remain in their homes.