IDF Spokesperson January 4th, 2009

Summary of events since this morning

Approximately thirty rockets were launched today from the Gaza Strip to
Israel, at least 12 of them were Grad rockets.

IDF forces, including infantry, tanks, combat engineers, artillery, and
intelligence, continue to operate throughout the Gaza Strip with the
assistance of the Israel Air Force and the Israeli Navy.

Dozens of armed Hamas gunmen were hit in different exchanges of fire with
IDF forces since the beginning of the ground operation.

During one of the heavy fire exchanges near Jebaliya this morning (northern
Gaza Strip), An IDF soldier was killed and another was severely wounded. The
soldier received initial medical treatment on location and was evacuated to
a hospital for further care. Both families have been notified.

Furthermore, the IAF attacked over 15 sites, including rocket launching
sites and squads, armed gunmen, and a smuggling tunnel, as well as targeted
three senior members of the Hamas terrorist organization:
In Han Yunes, Husam Hamdan was targeted. Hamdan was directly responsible
for firing rockets at the Israeli cities of Be'er Sheva and Ofakim.
Also in Han Yunes, Mohamad Hilu was targeted. Hilu was responsible for
Hamas' commando forces in Han Yunes as well as for long range rocket
launching against Israel.
In Jebaliya, Mohamad Shalpoch was targeted. Shaploch was a member of Hamas'
commando forces and was involved in the launching of rockets.

The attacks were a joint IDF and ISA operation.

The IDF stresses that the residents of Gaza are not the target of the
operation. The Hamas terror organization operates amongst civilians, using
them as "human shields." Hamas is solely responsible for all injury caused
to them.

Anyone who assists terror activity by hiding a terrorist or weaponry might
be hurt. We call all civilians to keep away from rocket launching grounds.