Palestinian sources reported on Monday at night that undercover forces of the Israeli army invaded Al Atatra area, west of Beit Lahia town, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. The invasion came after several Israeli leaders, including Israeli Defense Ministers, started talking about “limited operations in the Gaza Strip”.The sources stated that the undercover forces deployed near Al Waha tourist resort at the Beit Lahia beach, while military helicopters were noticed flying over the area.
No attacks or abductions were reported in the invasion, the sources added.
The invasion came as the Israeli Defense Minister, Amir Peretz, authorized the army to carry military operations in the Gaza Strip.
According to Peretz, the army is authorized to hit what he described as “Palestinian rocket squad”, referring to Palestinian fighters firing homemade shells.
Several days ago, an Israeli fighter-jet fired a missile at a Palestinian vehicle near Al Waha resort killing one resident and injuring another.
The Israeli military and intelligence services claim that Hamas movement managed to take advantage of the “truce” in Gaza and smuggled more arms and explosives into the Gaza Strip. The same statements were made by Peretz during a Sunday cabinet meeting.
Also, during a visit to an Israeli military base in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, Peretz said that “Israel will not allow Gaza to be turned into the Second Lebanon War”, and added that Israel is trying to avoid major escalation in the area.
He added that Israel is monitoring the northern border.
