IDF OPERATION IN THE

1. Operation Cast Lead IDF OPERATION IN THE GAZA STRIP D U – D 20 AILY PDATE AY J 15 , 200 9 TH ANUARY T M - S I S HE ILITARY TRATEGIC NFORMATION ECTION Distributed 0500 16 Jan

2. Operation Cast Lead Main Objectives: • To bring about conditions for the creation of a better security situation in southern Israel—namely, the long-term cessation of rocket and mortar fire and all terrorist attacks from the Gaza Strip. • To advance the achievements of the aerial campaign by taking control of the launch areas, continuing to attack Hamas targets, and preventing the continued strengthening of Hamas via the network of tunnels at the Philadelphi Route.

3. Operation Cast Lead – Day 20 Ground Maneuver • IDF forces continued to press against Hamas throughout the Gaza Strip, with an emphasis on sites in northern Gaza in and around Gaza City. • Approximately 35 armed gunmen were hurt in the fighting today. Ground forces continue to be deployed according to plan in the Southern Gaza Strip and prepared for more extensive combat. • The IDF continues to weaken Hamas and has taken hundreds of Hamas prisoners. • The IDF has mobilized additional reserve troops and remains prepared for any eventuality.

4. Operation Cast Lead – Day 20 Trails of smoke are seen after the launch of rockets from Gaza towards Israel An Israeli mother protecting her daughter as they hid under a table

5. Operation Cast Lead – Day 20 IAF Attacks • The IAF has carried out over 2,506 attacks against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the operation. The IAF targeted over 55 Hamas targets in Gaza throughout the day, including: Armed cells. 21 rocket launching sites. 2 mortar launching sites. 2 weapons stores. The IAF targeted senior Hamas operatives in an attack on a building in Gaza City. Senior operatives included Said Siam, responsible for Hamas National Security Services.

6. The Israeli Home Front • Rocket Attacks from the Gaza Strip • 8 Grad • 7 Qassams • 11 Mortars • One Grad rocket which landed in Beer Sheva around 16:30 injured 13 Israeli citizens including 3 severely and 4 moderately. • Since Dec. 27th, 3 Israeli civilians were killed and approximately 285 wounded (including 10 severely).

7. Beginning of the operation Beginning of the Ground Campaign Trends in Attacks on the Israeli Homefront Total 771 :

8. The Humanitarian Efforts UNRWA Distribution of Humanitarian aid (flour)

9. The Humanitarian Efforts Israel continues to make great efforts in the humanitarian field, as much as possible during times of combat, in order to facilitate the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. These efforts include the establishment of a Joint Humanitarian Coordination Center, humanitarian recesses, evacuations of injured Palestinian civilians for medical treatment and evacuations of foreign citizens from the Gaza Strip. On Jan 15th the IDF implemented a temporary humanitarian recess from 11:00-15:00 in order to enable the distribution of aid into the Gaza Strip. Again, Hamas took advantage of the humanitarian recess to fire two rockets against Israel. • Summary of the humanitarian effort since the beginning of operation Cast Lead: • 28,119 tons of humanitarian aid have been delivered to Gaza. • 449 foreigners and dual nationals were evacuated from Gaza overall. • 3000 units of blood were donated by Jordan. • 34 people evacuated to Israel for medical needs, including two injured children. Today, Jan 15th: • During the day 69 trucks carrying humanitarian aid passed through Kerem Shalom crossing. These trucks carried 1,468tons of food, medical equipment, and other basic supplies. • Since the start of Operation Cast Lead, approximately 1,175 trucks of humanitarian aid carrying over 28,119 tons of humanitarian aid, and over 1,436,350 liters of diesel fuel were transferred to the Gaza Strip.

10. Central Themes • Ongoing Ground Operation • The introduction of reserve troops to the operation in Gaza is further evidence the IDF's smooth functioning according to plan. In the period since being mobilized, the reserve troops underwent refresher training and were briefed on the operation in order to ready them for combat. • The IDF continues to demonstrate its determination to damage Hamas's capabilities in terms of manpower, infrastructure and weapons. • There continues to be a decrease in rocket fire from Gaza into Israel. • The IDF is prepared to expand the ground operation should this be needed. • Israel's Home front • Israel's homefront has exemplified great resilience and strength since the beginning of the operation despite constant attacks. • There is great support for the operation. • The homefront continues to heed the instructions of the IDF's Homefront Command. • Humanitarian Efforts • The Humanitarian Recess offered by Israel on a daily basis to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip is exploited by terrorists to fire rockets at Israel. • Israel continues to facilitate the flow of aid into Gaza. • The IDF opened a Joint Humanitarian Coordination Center that includes representatives of international aid organizations. • A daily humanitarian corridor has been instituted to allow for the distribution of aid. • Teams of physicians have entered Gaza. • Evacuation of foreign nationals from Gaza continues. • Israel continues to facilitate the repair of infrastructure including the electrical network.