[Dr. Aaron Lerner - IMRA:

A security official noted Wednesday morning that the operation was necessary
and inevitable in light of the intelligence that has accumulated. He
stressed that this was a pin-point operation, and that there was no
intention to expand it below the predetermined scope. = Hamas can continue
preparing for war - just not tunnels
for kidnapping]

More than 35 Qassams, mortars fired at Israel
Palestinians respond to IDF operation in Gaza Strip with massive rocket
fire. Three rockets land in Ashkelon area, teenage girl and two women
suffers from shock. Hamas spokesman vows organization would 'push back any
Israeli aggression' despite truce
Ynet reporters Latest Update: 11.05.08, 10:24 / Israel News
www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3617932,00.html

More than 35 Qassam rockets and mortar shells were fired at the western
Negev communities early Wednesday, following an Israel Defense Forces
operation in the Gaza Strip aimed at thwarting a terror attack.

Two soldiers were moderately injured and four sustained light injuries after
a mortar shell was fired at an IDF force during a raid in the Gaza Strip
Tuesday night. Six Hamas operatives were killed in the operation, which
concluded on Wednesday morning.

At least one rocket landed in central Ashkelon, and two others landed near
the city. The Color Red alert system was activated moments before the fall.
Two women and a 13-year-old girl suffered from shock and were evacuated to
the Barzilai Medical Center in the city. There were no reports of damage.

At first, reports spoke of six rockets and several mortars fired at the
Eshkol Regional Council, but later reports confirmed massive rocket fire.

On Tueday the local security officers of the Gaza vicinity communities were
informed that a resumption of the rocket fire from Gaza should be expected.
Six mortar shells were fired at the Kissufim crossing during an IDF
operation in the area, but no injuries or damage were reported in the
incident.

Following a meeting of the Home Front Command to evaluate the situation it
was decided not to call off the school day in Sderot and the Gaza vicinity
communities. It was also agreed that the emergency procedures practiced by
the civilian population in case of a rocket alert should be reviewed.

Meanwhile, the Magen David Adom emergency services in the region have gone
on high alert and will be operating in full capacity.

The Shaar Hanegev Regional Council has opened a hotline to provide
information to the residents: 08-6806450

'Israel wants truce to continue'

Defense Minister Ehud Barak held a special discussion Wednesday morning to
discuss the night's events and their ramifications. The defense
establishment is preparing for the possibility of further escalation.

A security official noted Wednesday morning that the operation was necessary
and inevitable in light of the intelligence that has accumulated. He
stressed that this was a pin-point operation, and that there was no
intention to expand it below the predetermined scope.

"We have no intention to be dragged into an escalation in the Gaza Strip
following this incident," he clarified. "If the terror groups maintain the
calm - so will we. If not, we will have to respond accordingly."

Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said after the meeting that Israel does
not plan to violate the truce, which has brought calm to the Negev
communities. He explained that Tuesday night's raid was a necessity aimed at
preventing a kidnapping or a terror attack inside Israel.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Jihad's al-Quds Brigades claimed responsibility for
two of the rockets that were fired. "Barak and Livni will not succeed in
increasing their chances in the Israeli elections on Gaza's expense, which
will blow up in their faces if they attempt to export their political
problems into the Strip," the group said in a statement.

Hamas warned that "the Gaza Strip will become a graveyard if the enemy
expends its incursion." The organization's spokesman, Fawzi Barhoum, said
that "the criminal operation in Gaza is a dangerous violation of the truce
and proves that the enemy is seeking an escalation, rather than calm."

The Palestinian groups are preparing for further IDF raids, but despite the
threats sources in Gaza said that as long as the operation is not expanded,
the ceasefire can be maintained. At least at this point, the truce is still
considered a Palestinian interest.

First Published: 11.05.08, 07:38