IAF pilots hit approximately 40 targets in Gaza on Thursday night and early Friday morning. Targets included three weapons warehouses, two Hamas outposts, four tunnels and six groups of armed terrorists.
The Air Force also worked with ground troops, providing backup when needed. Ground troops have coordinated several airstrikes on terrorist cells since entering Gaza almost two weeks ago.
In one such incident Thursday night, IDF foot soldiers saw a group of terrorists fire a mortar shell towards Israeli territory. The soldiers contacted the IAF and an IAF pilot hit the launch site. A direct strike was reported.
The Navy took part in fighting Hamas as well. Ships fired on Hamas targets along the coast. The Navy continues to enforce a closure along the Gaza coast. The closure was imposed due to fears that terrorists would pose as fishermen and sail north to attack Israeli cities.
In addition to coordinating IAF strikes, ground troops continued exchanging fire with terrorists and searching homes for weapons and tunnels. Troops arrested seven Gaza residents, who were turned over to security services for questioning. Hundreds of Gaza Arabs have been arrested since fighting began.
Acting Minister Ehud Olmert, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni have decided that the Cast Lead operation in Gaza will continue Friday despite ceasefire talks. The operation will be suspended from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza civilians.