Israeli defense minister warns Hamas

Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz delivered a strong-worded message to the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on Tuesday, warning that Israeli airstrikes will continue if Hamas rocket attacks do not halt, the Jerusalem Post reported.

"We'll hit them (Hamas) and hit them and hit them until they understand that Israel will not accept shooting into its borders,"Mofaz was quoted as saying near the border between Israel and northern Gaza Strip.

"This artillery battery behind me is not just for show. It's operational ... and will react against any rocket attack," he warned.

Shortly after Mofaz's statement, Palestinian militants fired a rocket at the southern Israeli city of Sderot. It landed in an empty field, causing no damage or injury.

Hours later, Israeli planes fired several missiles at northern Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military said the target of the attack was a site used by Palestinian militants to fire rockets at southern Israel.

With a large-scale military offensive code-named Operation First Rain continuing, Israeli forces launched a wave of airstrikes early Tuesday, firing missiles at a series of targets across the Gaza Strip, including roads and buildings used by Palestinian militants.

In addition, Mofaz said earlier in the day that he was "not satisfied" with Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar's call for a halt to rocket attacks on Israel.

"Hamas committed an unforgivable act and we have to dictate new rules for the game," Mofaz told Army Radio.

"We will not let this pass quietly. Hamas needs to know that Israel will act to protect its citizens," he added.

New violence erupted over the weekend as Palestinian militants intensified rocket attacks on Israel.

The Israeli side responded by renewing raids and targeted killings as well as rounding up large numbers of militants in the West Bank.

The fresh tension has dealt a blow to an almost eight-month-old truce between the Palestinians and Israel.

Source: China Daily