IDF Takes Swath of North Gaza in Bid to End Rocket Fire

A large contingent of IDF infantry and armor units moved into the ruins of three former settlements in northern Gaza in the early hours of Thursday, after Qassam rockets fired from the area hit the southern coastal city of Ashkelon for the second time in two days.

Beit Lahiya is situated close to the settlements, when troops were to establish a buffer zone to prevent fire on southern Israel.

IDF tanks and helicopter gunships fired at militant positions inside the town. The gunmen responded with automatic weapons fire. Ambulances raced to the scene, but there were no immediate reports of casualties

Before daybreak, IDF troops and some 15 tanks entered the areas where Nissanit, Dugit and Elei Sinai had stood. As ground forces edged forward, artillery and Israel Air Force aircraft struck targets in the area, aiming at bases and groups of militants.

The troops also entered the Al-Atara neighborhood close to Beit Lahiya, from where the rockets were fired at Ashkelon.