Israel to launch Gaza ‘aerial siege’

ISRAELI troops will impose an “aerial siege” on parts of Gaza, shooting from helicopters or gunboats at anyone entering a “no-go zone” near the border, as part of a new campaign against Palestinian militants firing rockets at Israeli towns, a senior defence official said yesterday.

However, Deputy Defence Minister Zeev Boim ruled out a major ground offensive against Gaza. He also acknowledged that the homemade Qassam rockets, which are highly inaccurate and have a range of about 10 kilometres, do not pose a strategic threat to Israel.

Mr Boim said Israel was gradually stepping up its response to Palestinian rocket fire, which has intensified since Israel withdrew from Gaza in the summer.