Israel launched new air strikes on four locations in the Gaza Strip early Wednesday morning.
One of these locations was an access route near Beit Hanun, used by terrorists to reach the areas from which Qassam rockets are launched at Israeli targets. The other three locations were used for terror activity by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Fatah, and the Popular Resistance Committees.
Power was reportedly knocked out in Gaza City, causing a citywide blackout. Israeli sources allege that Hamas cells in at least two West Bank areas are actively planning terror attacks against Israeli targets.
Hamas admitted responsibility for the kidnapping and murder of Jerusalem resident Sasson Nuriel, who was abducted a week ago, and his body found on Monday. Authorities believe the plan had been to use Nuriel as a hostage to secure the release of Palestinians held by Israel, but when the massive operations by Israeli security forces interfered with those plans, he was killed.