Security cabinet decides to continue op

No ceasefire in sight: The cabinet instructs the IDF to continue to “forcefully hit Hamas and the other terrorist organizations in Gaza,” and to conclude its mission to destroy the tunnels leading from the strip into Israel, diplomatic sources say.

So far, the army’s actions in locating and destroying these terror tunnels have brought about significant strategic achievements in an area in which Hamas has invested much effort over the years, the sources say. “The IDF also has significant achievements in damaging the terrorist infrastructure of Hamas and additional terrorist groups and will continue act and expand these operations.”

The army will continue to enact local and temporary humanitarian truces, just like one observed today in areas where there is not fighting, “without endangering the lives of Israeli soldiers and the operation to destroy the tunnels,” the sources add. “The purpose of these truces is to help the civilian population of Gaza.”

The full government will meet tomorrow at noon in Tel Aviv to be updated on the progress of Operation Protective Edge.

— Raphael Ahren