The Israel Air Force struck a terrorist cell Tuesday afternoon following several rocket and mortar shelling attacks on Israel that resulted in two civilians dead. At least one Hamas terrorist was killed in the counterterrorist operation near Khan Yunis, located adjacent to the destroyed site of the Jewish community of Nevei Dekalim. Hamas said two other terrorists were wounded, one of them in critical condition.

It was the first retaliation in several days, and Reuters News Agency noted that analysts have said the Olmert administration has ordered the IDF to limit actions against terrorists because of the visit later this week of American President George W. Bush.