Sources in Israel's military announced that operation "Blue Skies" was launched in the northern Gaza Strip at 6 pm on Wednesday evening, after ordering residents of the area and PA security forces to leave or remain at risk. The operation started with the Israeli forces shelling targets in the northern Gaza Strip, in a bid to to enforce a "buffer zone" to prevent rocket strikes on southern Israel.
Israeli planes on Wednesday morning dropped leaflets over Gaza Strip warning residents of their imminent operation.
Apparently, due to strong winds, many of the warning leaflets intended for Gaza residents landed in Israeli territory instead, some near the home of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
Earlier in the day, the Israeli Air Force fired a series of missiles at the Gaza Strip overnight in response to what Israel considers "ongoing terror incidents," referring to rocket attacks that have been fired recently from the Strip at southern Israeli towns.
10 access roads used to transport Qassam type rockets were hit in the strike. Israeli military sources say the targets were chosen in an attempt to hinder the ability of Palestinians to carry out such attacks on Israel.
Meanwhile, in yet another raid in the West Bank, Israeli troops arrested three Palestinians wanted for their involvement in the Hamas and Islamic Jihad faction.
One man was reportedly taken into Israeli custody after a search of his Ramallah home revealed that he owned a knife and handgun.
In the town of Nablus, a Palestinians reportedly threw a an explosive device at Israeli soldiers.
© 2005 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
