BICOM

The IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) on Monday targeted a terrorist cell in the southern Gaza Strip. The cell was planning to carry out a shooting attack against IDF troops, the IDF Spokesperson stated. “The IDF will not tolerate any attempt to harm IDF soldiers and will continue to act firmly and strongly against anyone who uses terrorism against Israel. The Hamas terrorist organisation is responsible for the Gaza Strip,” the statement read.

The Shin Bet alerted the IDF of the terrorist plot on Sunday, and the Air Force carried out a mission late at night to stop the cell from carrying out its planned attack against Israeli soldiers. According to Hamas’ official newspaper, al-Resalah, two members of the Izzadin Kassam Brigade were wounded in the attack.

The incident came after a recent escalation in rocket fire from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel. Since the beginning of last month, nearly two-dozen rockets have been fired into Israel. Last Friday, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz convened a meeting of the top brass to discuss the escalation in the south. Following the meeting, senior generals condemned Hamas for not taking action to rein in other terrorist organisations in Gaza, which the IDF believes are behind the recent rocket fire.