14:42: The wounded soldier is from the Bedouin Reconnaissance Battalion. He suffered a serious chest injury.

12:53: PA reporting IAF planes flying low over Gaza. Explosions are heard in Gaza. In Israel, there are reports that some Gaza border area roads have been closed, possibly in expectation of a Hamas reprisal.

12:29: The PA (Palestinian Authority) media reports and IDF tank fired a shel east of Khan Yunis.

12:27: The sniper fire came from southern Gaza, hitting the soldier who was operating in the Nir Ohz area of southern Israel.

12:24: An IDF soldier is reported in serious/stable condition in the trauma unit of Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva after being hit by Gaza sniper fire earlier.

12:20: Hamas confirms the death of a senior commander. There are unconfirmed reports that a second commander has been injured as a result of the Israeli retaliation.

12:15: Hamas has ordered the evacuation of its installations in Gaza fearing the IAF reprisal that is underway.

12:11: A senior Hamas commander has been killed in the Israeli retaliation. The Israel Air Force is operating over Gaza. Hamas warns “Israel is playing with fire and is responsible for the repercussions of its actions”.

11:31 AM IL: According to preliminary reports, one Israeli was shot near the Gaza border and is in serious condition. The victim was transported to a trauma center.

Sniper fire originating in Gaza was directed into southern Israel. The IDF has instructed all farming workers near the border in the area of the attack to head for cover and not to remain outdoors.

The IDF is returning fire. Reports from Gaza indicate one of the snipers has been shot dead. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)