Day 5 (Update 3:08pm): Rocket Barrages Continue, Israel Tricks Hamas, Collapses Gaza Underground Infrastructure
by CrownHeights.info
As the conflict that has sucked Israel into a terrible war of attrition enters its fifth day, CrownHeights.info provides an overview of events overnight and an ongoing feed of live updates.
Under nearly constant bombardment by a hail of deadly rockets, the citizens of Israel remained in their shelters overnight, with the sound of wailing air raid sirens keeping them company. Multiple impacts were reported, as well as a few injuries.
While Israel hunkered down in their safe rooms, though, the Israeli military was not silent.
A relentless series of strategic attacks flattened Hamas command centers and infrastructure, leading to what is being reported as an exodus by families from northern Gaza.
The Israelis also pulled off an incredible bait and switch last night, beginning with a rather confusing tweet.
“IDF air and ground troops are currently attacking in the Gaza Strip,” the IDF tweeted, making it appear that Israel was making its way with ground forces into Gaza.
The truth was, that Israel had simply deployed numerous tanks along the border, waiting until the panicked Hamas entered their tunnels, nicknamed their “Metro”, and prepared for the anticipated ground invasion. Instead, Israel spent 35 minutes pounding the underground infrastructure with 160 aircraft, tanks, artillery and infantry units along the border, striking 150 targets and damaging many kilometers of the Hamas ‘Metro’ network.
According to unconfirmed reports, tens of militants died while trapped underground, with many believing that the surprise attack had shocked the unprepared Hamas.
As of this morning, the Israeli troops have continued bombarding the strip, while remaining on the Israeli side of the border.
In the late hours of Thursday night, a Palestinian militant group had launched rockets from Southern Lebanon towards Israel, the rockets landed in the sea according to the Israeli military. Hezbollah, who are currently under strain in Lebanon and bogged down in Syria, had refrained from getting involved in this round of fighting and quickly quashed any further rocket fire.
A small group of “protesters” broke through the fence from Lebanon Friday morning, but after coming under fire from Israeli tanks, they fled back across the border.
To date, the Gaza Health Ministry says 119 have been killed and 830 wounded in the IDF strikes in the strip.
We will be updating this article throughout the day with the most up-to-date information as it becomes available.
Update 3:08pm: Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza says 126 killed, including 31 minors, and 950 wounded from IDF strikes so far.
Update 2:48pm: IDF: A short while ago, three rockets were fired from Syria into Israeli territory, one of which failed and fell in Syrian territory. As a result, an alert was activated in open areas only.
Update 1:50pm: IDF says they struck a Hamas ATGM cell and two ATGM launchers in Shejaiya, as well as a rocket launcher in northern Gaza.
Update 1:07pm: Impact reported in Sderot, forces headed to the scene. Home was empty.
Update 12:55pm: Earlier IDF says they struck the main bank or Gaza used by Hamas.
Update 11:05am: IDF says they struck a Hamas weapons manufacturing facility in northern Gaza.
Update 11:00am: Rocket impact damaged power lines in Lehavim and some surrounding towns. IEC says power already restored to most homes using alternative lines.
