[Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs] Prime Minister Olmert told the Cabinet Sunday: "For the last few days IDF forces have been operating in the Gaza Strip, primarily in the Beit Hanoun area. The aim of this action is to diminish Kassam [rocket] attacks on southern Israel and to halt terrorist actions and attempted actions against Israel." "The main strikes are against Islamic Jihad and Hamas infrastructures and armed personnel, who are constantly trying to perpetrate terrorist attacks. We have informed the world that we do not intend to countenance continued Kassam rocket barrages against Sderot and other surrounding Israeli communities. We will take the necessary measures to significantly diminish them and prevent terrorist operations." "We have no intention of either remaining in, or occupying, Gaza. But we do intend to put a halt to terrorism from Gaza and we will continue until our goals have been achieved." Defense Minister Peretz said that last Friday the IDF took control of the Beit Hanoun district and begin to carry out arrests, locate stores of war materiel, and strike at armed persons. It seems that the terrorists in Beit Hanoun were surprised by the scope and strength of the IDF action. He made it clear that Israel will not allow Hamas and the other terrorist organizations to gain strength and engage in terrorism, and will do its utmost to prevent attacks on civilians and communities in the areas of Israel nearest the Gaza Strip. The Beit Hanoun district had become a center from which missiles were fired at Israeli territory and Israel had no choice but to deal with the terrorist infrastructure there.
2006-11-06 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive