They are hitting Hamas hard...very hard

Israel launched this morning the start of a massive offensive against Qassam rocket and mortar fire on its southern communities, targeting dozens of buildings belonging to the ruling Hamas militant group. We read online that Palestinian medical sources said that at least 195 people had been killed in the strikes, which began with almost no warning at around 11:30 A.M. Medical personnel in Gaza said that more than 200 people were also wounded in the series of Israel Air Force strikes. Egypt has opened its long-sealed border with Gaza to allow in the wounded for medical treatment. Hamas said that the attacks had caused widespread panic in the Strip. The first wave of air strikes was launched by a 60 warplanes which hit a total of 50 targets in one fell swoop. The IAF deployed approximately 100 bombs, with an estimated 95 percent of the ordinance reaching its intended target. Most of the casualties were Hamas operatives. Immediately following the first wave, some 20 IAF aircraft struck 50 Palestinian rocket launchers in an effort to minimize Hamas’ retaliatory strikes. The IDF emphasized that civilians located in areas whence Palestinians launch rockets and who quarter Hamas operatives in their homes are liable to be hurt. The targets that were hit included training camps and installations as well as police stations, some of whom were located in civilian buildings.

Ok, not quite sending the message “Don’t you dare fire rockets at us” but rather “Don’t you dare fire rockets at us for too long.”

Despite the fact that Israel targeted Hamas facilities and most of the casualties were Hamas terrorists, world leaders predictably condemned Israel’s actions, with our “friend,” French President Nicolas Sarkozy, calling Israel’s response “disproportionate.” Then again, I guess anything short of waving a white flag is considered disproportionate to a French leader.