Colonel Yoel Strik
Photo: Amir Cohen
Gaza operation
Photo: Reuters
IDF commander: Operation won't end in one swoop
Colonel Yoel Strik, whose soldiers are operating in northern Gaza, warns that upcoming battle in Strip will be complicated; says 'we are prepared to reach any place needed, whether it is Jabalya or any other place in Strip'
Givati Brigade Commander Colonel Yoel Strik, whose soldiers are operating in the northern Gaza Strip as part of Operation Summer Rains, said Tuesday that "this is a complicated battle that will not end in one swoop."
"We are prepared to reach any place needed, whether it is Jabalya or any other place in the Strip," he added.
Gaza Operation
Hanan Greenberg
(VIDEO) Hamas member killed, second activist wounded after Israeli aircraft fires missile at group of gunmen. Earlier, small force of armored vehicles, bulldozers enters Strip in bid to locate tunnels, explosive devices near border fence; at least one Palestinian gunman shot to death during operation
The forces began operating in the northern Strip on Monday, and on Tuesday morning the operation was expanded also to the Erez crossing area, one kilometer away from the border fence.
According to the Givati commander, the soldiers are carrying out routine operations and are hitting terror infrastructures.
"There is a diverse infrastructure of tunnels in the Strip, and part of our operation is aimed at uncovering them. In addition, the operation also focuses on hurting terrorists. Although it is a limited operation, both in time and in space, the division is ready to expand it if needed," he said.
'We have a moral responsibility'
Twelve terrorists have been killed so far in a series of incidents during the operation, with the commanders of the Givati Brigade in the northern Strip and the Golani Brigade in the south also operating the Israel Air Force to cover for the forces operating in the field.
Colonel Strik also addressed the fact that kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit is being held in the Strip.
"Of course the operation also has to do with the kidnapped soldier. We have a moral responsibility to do everything we can in order to work for his release. Our operation focuses on hitting terror infrastructures, and that is its main goal," he said.
Simultaneously, trucks carrying food continue to enter the Gaza Strip through the Karni crossing in the northern Strip. The trucks are delivering the Palestinians basic equipment such as sugar and other commodities.
IDF officials noted that there is no food shortage in the Gaza Strip, but that during a military operation there is a moral duty to make sure that Gaza residents are able to purchase commodities.
