Israeli airstrike kills one, wounding 45

GAZA CITY – An Israeli airstrike struck a Hamas compound in central Gaza City yesterday, killing one and wounding at least 45 people, Palestinian witnesses and medical officials said.

The army confirmed that it carried out the airstrike against the installation. Israel has threatened “harsh” action in response to repeated Palestinian rocket attacks.The explosion sent heavy plumes of smoke into the Gaza sky, completely destroying the structure and several others around it and sending terrified residents scurrying.Hamas said the target of the strike was an administration building of its elite bodyguards unit.The two-story structure is normally filled with Hamas personnel.In a text message sent to reporter, Hamas military wing spokesman Abu Obaida vowed revenge against Israel.”The Zionist enemy are launching an open war against Hamas.Therefore, reprisal options are open, including self- sacrifice operations,” he said.”We advise the Zionist settlers to go immediately to the basement of their residence because our rockets will not spare any of them.”Nampa-APIsrael has threatened “harsh” action in response to repeated Palestinian rocket attacks.The explosion sent heavy plumes of smoke into the Gaza sky, completely destroying the structure and several others around it and sending terrified residents scurrying.Hamas said the target of the strike was an administration building of its elite bodyguards unit.The two-story structure is normally filled with Hamas personnel.In a text message sent to reporter, Hamas military wing spokesman Abu Obaida vowed revenge against Israel.”The Zionist enemy are launching an open war against Hamas.Therefore, reprisal options are open, including self- sacrifice operations,” he said.”We advise the Zionist settlers to go immediately to the basement of their residence because our rockets will not spare any of them.”Nampa-AP