In response to yesterday's invasion by Palestinian terrorists seeking to capture Israeli soldiers to be used as pawns in a prisoner release of terrorists held in Israeli jails, the Israelis launched airstrikes against terrorist positions within Gaza. Those airstrikes included raids against an Islamic Jihad leader's residence and arms workshop.
The terrorists involved in yesterday's operation used a vehicle with journalist markings to attempt to confuse and lure the Israeli soldiers into a trap. Earlier reports had indicated that the terrorists used a vehicle with UN or Israeli military markings. All point to the basic fact that the terrorists are trying to capture Israeli soldiers in order to force a prisoner exchange.
They have been holding Gilad Shalit for nearly a year, and have tried to use his capture to secure the release of hundreds of Palestinians, including many convicted terrorists. Had the terrorists been successful, the Palestinians probably hoped to increase the pressure on the Israeli government to cave in to a prisoner release.
Further, it's important to note which terrorist groups were involved in this raid: Islamic Jihad and Fatah's al Aqsa Martyr's Brigade. Israel captured an Islamic Jihad leader in Nablus.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian civil war continues, as Fatah and Hamas continue to engage in gunfights around Gaza.
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