Israel, Besieged by Rocket Attacks, Targets Terrorists Carrying Katyushas

Earlier today, we reported on an Israeli airstrike against vehicle in Gaza fully loaded with Katyusha rockets (original post below). Vital Perspective has obtained both aerial and ground footage of Palestinians removing Katyusha rockets from the destroyed van -- it's the cargo that's important to them, not the casualties. Israel must continue to fight terrorists who are unrestricted by moral codes and willingly shield themselves behind their own population. *If there is a problem loading the video, click here to go to YouTube to see it there*

The Israeli Air Force carried out one aerial attack against a vehicle loaded with rockets en route to a launching site for terror attacks against southern Israel. Two missiles were fired at the target, killing the terrorists and destroying the rockets.

In the past several months there have been three incidents of terrorists launching the more advanced Katyusha rockets which have a range of just over 12 miles. Thirty eight rockets have been launched at Israel from northern Gaza in the past 24 hours. Over 100 rockets have been launched at Israel since Friday.

Since Israel's disengagement from Gaza last August, over 500 terrorist rockets have fallen on Israeli civilian targets, including kindergartens, schools, homes and factories. Daily life in those Israeli towns within rocket range has been turned upside down.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the airstrike, calling it "state terrorism." Islamic Jihad reacted by voicing threats against Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities. Speaking with Arab media outlets, Islamic Jihad terrorists said, "Israel will pay a dear price for the massacre." Unfortunately, when terrorists -- who have no regard for innocent life -- hide out amongst the civilian population, their actions endanger the people around them.

The Palestinian Authority is fully responsible for any attacks emanating from Gaza. Unfortunately, it continues to take no action in order to prevent the daily attacks against Israeli civilians.

Below we've provided some graphs detailing the barrage of Qassam attacks launched from Gaza as well as those hitting the Israeli town of Sderot, located in Israel's northern Negev area, less than two miles from Gaza and home to more than 24,000 residents. Click the graphs to enlarge to a more readable size.