
Israel Air Force pilots took to the skies following an attack on Kibbutz Kfar Aza Friday evening and within hours, carried out a lethal air strike against two Hamas police stations in southern Gaza.
Five terrorists were killed in the strike, according to local sources. The IDF confirmed the attack. Hours later, on Saturday morning, the IAF killed a terrorist cell near the security barrier in a separate strike.
Flash 90
Deadly Mortar Attack on Kibbutz Kfar Aza
The attacks came in retaliation for the deadly mortar attack on Kibbutz Kfar Aza Friday evening that robbed a family of a 48-year-old husband and father of three. Jimmy Kedoshim died when one of the mortar shells slammed directly into his house. His funeral will be held Sunday at the kibbutz at 3:45 p.m. and his body will be laid to rest at 4:00 p.m. in the Kfar Aza cemetery.
A second mortar shell exploded next to the kibbutz community hall. Three other people were wounded, including an IDF soldier who sustained moderate injuries. Two other people were lightly wounded and several more people suffered severe emotional shock.
The Hamas terrorist organization's Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades group claimed responsibility for the mortar attacks. PA Arabs across Gaza reportedly cheered in the mosques and shouted "Allah Hu Akbar" (G-d is Great) Friday night when news of the attack on Kfar Aza was reported.
Israel Files Formal Complaint to UN
The Israeli delegation to the United Nations immediately submitted a formal complaint to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon over the murder of an Israeli civilian in Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
In the letter, Israel warned the UN that it will not sit quietly while its citizens are being attacked by terrorists. The delegation also urged the UN to denounce any act of violence and terror.
There has been no response to the complaint as yet.
Synagogue, College, House Hit by Rockets in Sderot
Terrorists launched numerous rocket and mortar attacks at other communities in the western Negev over the weekend as well. More than 20 rockets were fired at the city of Sderot and nearby communities between Friday night and Saturday morning.
A total of five people had been lightly wounded in various rocket attacks by Saturday night and at least that many had suffered emotional shock.
One of the Kassams exploded close to an apartment building, causing serious damage to the structure and several other nearby buildings. The attack also caused a dangerous gas leak. Miraculously, no one was physically injured although a number of people suffered emotional trauma.
In another miracle earlier in the day, a Kassam rocket scored a direct hit on a house while family members were inside -- and although the home was damaged, no one was physically injured.
A Kassam also slammed into the courtyard of Sapir College on the outskirts of the city and damaged a building. Another rocket exploded next to a yeshiva in Sderot. There too, the building was damaged but no one was hurt.
Hamas's Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigade terrorist group stated that its members fired a total of 15 rockets and mortars at communities in southern Israel on Saturday.