Israel Assassinates Hamas Rocket Chief In Gaza [Video]

The Israeli Defense Forces assassinated the man in charge of Hamas’s rocket program in the Gaza Strip this Sunday. Yahiya Abiya was the mastermind of the entire program of rocket development and implementation for the terror group. The assassination was ordered by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Benny Gantz, according to the Jerusalem Post.

IDF spokesmen confirmed that the IDF took out more than 50 rockets sites and smuggling tunnels today in the Gaza Strip. They also attacked communications infrastructure used by the terror group to coordinate media assaults and attacks.

Palestinian sources said that 11 civilians were also killed in the attack on Abiya today. This was the highest death toll for a single attack since the fighting began. It also confirms that Hamas leaders are hiding among civilian populations to shield themselves from IDF strikes.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the media that the IDF was doing all it could to avoid civilian casualties. Netanyahu also made it clear that the crossings from Gaza to Israel would opened today to foster the transport of humanitarian aid to the population.

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip fired dozens of rockets toward a number of Israeli cities Sunday, striking among others, Beersheba, Ashdod, Ashkelon and Sderot. At least ten civilians were injured. More than 520 rockets have exploded inside Israel since the start of the conflict.

Israel has launched more than 1000 strikes against terror targets in the Gaza Strip since Operation Pillar of Defense began last Wednesday.

The sides are currently discussing a ceasefire with Egyptian officials but Israel has repeatedly said they will not stop the operation until the rocket fire completely stops.

Watch the IDF take out a communications post used by the Hamas terror group.