Palestinian terrorists in Gaza fired two Kassams at the Negev last night (Thursday), following eight other rockets in the previous 24 hours. One Kassam hit the city of Sderot, causing no damage.



Rocket fire from Gaza towards Israel has continually increased ever since Israel withdrew from Gaza last summer. The IDF reports that 430 Kassams have been fired since last summer, including 85 in March and 50 so far this month. Other reports have cited even higher totals. In addition to the recent introduction of 20-kilometer-range Katyusha rockets to the Gazan Arabs' arsenal, the accuracy and quality of the Kassams hitting Israel have improved.



The Israel Air Force attacked four targets in northern Gaza last night (Thursday). These included offices of the Al-Aksa Martyrs Brigades in Gaza City and Biet Lahiya used for planning terrorist attacks, a helicopter landing pad in Gaza City, formerly used by Palestinian Authority officials, and fields used as Kassam launching areas.



In addition, IDF artillery fire was directed both day and night at various targets in Gaza. Two security vehicles of PA Chief Abu Mazen were damaged, and a PA policeman was lightly hurt.



This morning, two Israel Navy ships attacked Kassam launching sites in Gaza.