HERE WE GO AGAIN...ONE MORE TIME

The IDF started Operation Protective Edge to eradicate terrorist targets and reduce rocket fire on southern Israeli communities. Already in the first hours of the operation, 50 terrorist targets were hit, including the homes of four senior level Hamas terrorists who were involved in firing rockets.The Israeli security establishment made clear that Hamas is responsible for all rocket fire on Israel and that their operatives will be held accountable. “The IDF is prepared to defend the residents of the State of Israel and to continue to work with strong determination to eradicate terrorist networks that harm Israeli citizens,” the IDF Spokespersons Unit stated in response. Since January of this year, Gaza terrorists have fired more than 450 rockets towards Israeli citizens in communities across southern Israel according to the IDF spokesperson. Over 200 of those rockets have been fired from Gaza since June 12, the day on which three Israeli teens were abducted and murdered by Hamas terrorists. The IDF is determined to bring quiet to Israel and especially to families in the south with Operation Protective Edge. Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon told media on Tuesday, “We intend to make sure there will be total silence – zero rocket fire – aimed at Israel when we are done this time. “The situation on the ground has proved that Hamas does not want a truce.” IAF fighter pilots have flown sorties throughout the day, carrying out targeted air strikes aimed at eliminating selected Hamas military leaders and terrorists who operate rocket and missile launchers. The Israeli Air Force has struck multiple terror targets in the Gaza Strip early Tuesday morning since the IDF announced the launching of Operation Protective Edge (“Tzuk Eitan” in Hebrew). The IDF spokesperson stated the early hours of Tuesday morning that “the IDF has commenced Operation Protective Edge in Gaza against Hamas in order to stop the terror that Israel’s citizens face on a daily basis and to restore quiet to Israel’s border.” Ya’alon said he told mayors in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area to “take into account there will be possible fire on their cities.” The Home Front Command search and rescue unit is preparing for deployment in the Tel Aviv area, officials said. In addition to Tel Aviv, officials in Rishon Lezion have also opened the public bomb shelters, and have warned residents to stay away from the beaches. During the last mini-war, Gaza terrorists fired Iranian produced Fajr-5 and M75 missiles at Tel Aviv, Rishon Lezion and the Jerusalem area. The IDF struck more than 100 targets throughout Gaza on Tuesday as part of its mission in Operation Protective Edge. At least 15 Palestinian Authority Arabs were killed in the attacks, including several terrorists. Also among the casualties were at least two children and 25 wounded in an incident that indeed was what an Arab terrorist would call a ‘celebration of death’ rather than life. The terrorists have made a point of using their civilians as human shields, and those who live in Gaza have for the most part been willing volunteers in the effort. Seven people – including the two children – were killed in a house in Khan Yunis belonging to the Kawara family. The head of household is a key member of Hamas and Israeli air force pilots at first fired a small mortar at the roof to warn residents they were planning to attack, and tell them to flee before a second, full-force attack ensued. The casualties occurred during the second attack — when occupants instead gathered as human shields on the roof itself, hoping their presence would deter Israeli fighter pilots. The IDF is preparing for a “long and forceful” operation, with a call up of some 40,000 reservists authorized by the Cabinet on Tuesday. Overnight Monday, the IDF struck at least 50 targets, including four houses used as command bases by Hamas terrorist officials.